Description

Harkness Hut is located 10 minutes walk up a side tributary of the Ngaawapurua (Harkness) Stream. It is a standard six-bunk hut located in Kaweka Forest Park. Fees apply. Bookings not required - first come, first served. Facilities include Wood burning stove, Rainwater supply from a tank, Meat safe and Long drop style toilet. Getting there Helicopter There is a helipad located 45 metres immediately in front of the hut. Flight availability and costs can be obtained from helicopter concessionaires in the central North Island. Walking Harkness Hut can be reached by either: Makahu Saddle Carpark - Kaweka Road (16 hr) Tramping times from Makahu Saddle are between 6.5 8 hours to Tira Lodge and then up to a further 8 hours to Harkness Hut. The nearest hut from the Makahu Saddle road end is Makahu Saddle Hut (5 minutes walk from Makahu Saddle carpark). The route from Makahu Saddle climbs over the main Kaweka Range (1700 metres) via a poled track traversing the open Kaweka tops for at least one and a half hours tramping. The track passes a side track to Ballard Hut on the way. Some caution may be required during adverse weather conditions on the exposed open tops. Boyd's Hut (6 hr) From Boyd's Hut in the Kaimanawa Forest Park walk south past the Boyd's Airstrip to cross the Ngaruroro River. The track then climbs a long leading ridge before dropping into the top of the Tussock valley to reach Tussock Hut (3 hours). From Tussock Hut, formed tracks lead south to Harkness Hut (up to 3 hours travel). Makino Road end (up to 14 hr) Travel via Makino Hut dropping down into the Makino River. After travelling for a short distance upstream cross the river by a 3-wire bridge and ascend up to Mangaturutu Hut. From Mangaturutu Hut travel along the tops passing Te Puke Hut before descending down to Harkness Hut. Tramping Harkness Hut is well situated for brief or overnight stops when heading to further points throughout the park. I