Description

Located in the central Kaweka Forest Park, Mangaturutu Hut is situated on a high altitudinal ridge connecting the Ngaruroro and Mohaka catchments. This is a standard six-bunk hut. Fees apply. Bookings not required - first come, first served. Facilities include; Bench top and food cupboards. Rainwater supply from tank attached to hut. Axe, shovel and broom. Shaded meat safe. Long drop style toilet. Form seats. Firewood storage. Replace any firewood used. Getting there Helicopter The helipad is approximately 40 metres from the hut on a rocky outcrop sited above a tributary of the Mangaturutu Stream. Flight availability and costs can be obtained from helicopter concessionaires in the central North Island. Walking There are 3 ways to reach Mangaturutu Hut. Times are approximate. Road access is available at Makahu Saddle, Middle Hill or the Makino road end car parks. Makahu Road via Makino Hut (7 hr) The track begins a short distance after Makahu Road enters the park where it climbs to a saddle. It is from this point that the track leaves the road. The track leads to Makino Hut (3 hours) and continues on to Mangaturutu Hut (a further 4 hours). The track from Makino hut is via the Makino river and involves a 3 hour climb. Makahu Road via Middle Hill Hut (up to 11 hr) Travel to the Middle Hill carpark and then proceed up the Mangatutunui Stream before ascending a ridge to Middle Hill Hut (2.5 hours). From Middle Hill Hut the track continues over the northern (Whetu) end of the main Kaweka Range. This route is via a poled track which traverses the open Kaweka tops (1600 metres) for at least 1.5 hours tramping. The track passes a side track to Ballard Hut on the way and continues to Tira Lodge Hut (6 hours). To reach Mangaturutu Hut you must cross a saddle track that drops and then rises and falls before finally climbing out onto the open tops. The hut is 15 minutes walk from the sign-posted track junction with the Te Pukeohikar