Description

You can book a single-occupancy stay in this backcountry lodge in the remote north-west Ruahines. It is a great base to explore the Hikurangi Range. Fees apply and bookings are required. Book Kawhatau Base online or contact the Kapiti Wellington Visitor Centre. Kawhatau Base is a former Forest Service base set in a grassy clearing just above the Kawhatau River. Nestled the foot of the Hikurangi Range, it provides a great base for tramping, hunting and fishing trips. The hut is heated by two woodburners - one in the main living area that has a wetback for heating water and another woodburner in the bunkroom. The bunkroom sleeps eight. Wood is not provided. Basic kitchen facilities are provided. You may be able to cook on the woodburner, but a portable cooker is recommended. The shared bathroom has a flush toilet and bath. Kawhatau Base is located in the Ruahine Forest (West) Conservation Area, at the base of the Hikurangi Range. Public access is via a 9 km walk up the Kawhatau River. This route is not recommended during times of high river flow. There is no vehicle access. Walking access begins where the Rangitane Road bridge crosses the Kawhatau River. To get there, turn east off SH1 just north of Mangaweka. Cross the Rangitikei River and follow Kawhatau Valley Road. This eventually leads to Upper Kawhatau Valley Road, which becomes Rangitane Road. The bridge is just past the turn off to Smiths Road. There is no car park.