Field Hut

The place

Standard DOC hut with 20 bunks in the Ōtaki Forks area of Tararua Forest Park (Wellington/Kapiti), at 900 m elevation, just below the bushline on the western side. **Built in 1924 by New Zealand's first tramping club — this is the oldest recreational hut still standing in the Tararua Range.** Pit-sawn timber building made from local trees, with materials packed in by horse. Named after W. H. Field, club president and MP for Ōtaki. Access: 19 km inland from Ōtaki (~1 h 30 from Wellington or Palmerston North); 3 h from the end of Ōtaki Gorge Road; 2 h from Kime Hut; 3 h from Penn Creek Hut. No bookings. Fees (until 30 June 2026): NZ$10/5 adult/child via Standard Hut Ticket (honesty box) or Backcountry Hut Pass.