Cone Hut

The place

Historic DOC hut located at 367 m in Tararua Forest Park (Wairarapa). Built in mature forest on the edge of the Tauwharenīkau River, it is the second-oldest hut in the Tararua range and a rare surviving example of a "slab hut," built using early New Zealand tramping construction methods. Frame of local tōtara split by axe, walls of hand-sawn planks, a method already rare in the 1940s. Restored in the 1980s using the original methods and materials. Six bunks, free access, no charge. Recommended access from Waiohine Gorge Road, about 2 h 30. Alternative from Marchant Road, 8 to 9 h. Nearby huts: Tutuwai (1 h), Alpha (3 h), Totara Flats (4 h 30). Map BP33, NZTM2000 E1797244, N5459973.