Description

Te Puia Hut provides a great overnight tramp for families with children or new trampers. It is a serviced 26-bunk hut located in Kaweka Forest Park in the Hawkes Bay region. Fees apply. Bookings not required - first come, first served. There is space for camping outside the hut. Facilities include camp kitchen, heating (wood burner with firewood supplied), mattresses, non-flush toilets and water (not treated - boil before use). Te Puia Hut lies on the banks of the scenic Mohaka River swim, fish for trout, or keep a look out for the rare blue duck/whio. From the hut, walk to Mangatainoka Hot Springs for a soak. Getting there Time from nearest road end The Gums - Makahu Road End: 2-3 hr From Napier (1.5-2 hours) follow Puketitiri Road for 40 km, then turn into Pakaututu Road. Follow this for 9 km then turn into Makahu Road and follow this for a further 10 km to the end. The trip involves about 1 hr of travel on unsealed gravel roads, as well as a river ford on Makahu Road 7.5 km from the road end. Take care when driving through the ford as heavy rain and snow melt can affect the water level. The road is narrow, and may be slippery when wet. Check with Hastings District Council (external site) for temporary road closures. Makahu Road is not suitable for caravans or campervans. Note: The hut can be busy or full on weekends, holidays and during the roar (MarchMay). Before you go, buy 1 Serviced Hut Ticket (green for adults, orange for youth) or 3 Standard Hut Tickets (blue for adults, yellow for youth) for each night's stay. Put these in the honesty box at the hut. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass for unlimited use at most Serviced and Standard huts for a 6 or 12 month period.