Description

Tussock Hut is located at the upper (northern) end of Tussock Valley, on a tributary of Ngaawapurua (Harkness) Stream. It is a standard six-bunk hut in the located in Kaweka Forest Park. Fees apply. Bookings not required - first come, first served. Facilities include heating (wood burning stove), mattresses, non-flush toilets and water (not treated - boil before use). Getting there There is a helipad 25 metres behind the hut. Flight availability and costs can be obtained from helicopter concessionaires in the central North Island. Walking Tussock Hut can be reached by: Boyd's Lodge (3 hr) From Boyd's Lodge in the Kaimanawa Forest Park allow 3 hours travel time, but take care that fording the Ngaruroro River is safe following heavy rainfall. Makahu Saddle Carpark, Kaweka Road (at least 2 days) The track starts at the carpark and climbs over the main Kaweka Range (1700 metres) via a poled track passing a side track to Ballard Hut. The track continues to Tira Lodge and Te Puke Hut down past Harkness Hut before heading north up Tussock Valley to Tussock Hut. Some caution may be required during adverse weather conditions on the exposed open tops. Makahu Roadend (at least 2 days) This track starts at the roadend for Makino Hut and climbs steadily up to Makino Hut. The track then heads down into the Makino River valley, rising up to the Mangaturutu Tops and Mangaturutu Hut. From here the track passes Te Puke Hut down past Harkness Hut before heading north up Tussock Valley to Tussock Hut. Tramping Tussock Hut is well situated for brief or overnight stops when heading to further points throughout the park and also as a through trip from the Kaimanawa Forest Park to the eastern boundaries of the Kaweka Forest Park. For example a tramp from Makahu Saddle car park would require 2 to 3 days or approximately 17 hours travel time with a full pack. From Tussock Hut, formed tracks lead south to Harkness Hut (up