Iron Gate Hut

The place

10-bunk standard DOC hut in Ruahine Forest Park, in the Oroua River valley (Manawatū/Whanganui), at 750 m elevation. **Rebuilt in 2019**: comfortable, river views, wood stove, platform bunks, large deck, picnic tables, food-storage cupboard. The area supports a blue duck (whio) protection programme, an endangered species. Main access: 5-hour walk (5.5 km) from the Oroua car park via the Iron Gate Hut Track, from the Alice Nash Memorial Lodge. Alternative routes from Rangiwahia Carpark, Kashmir Road Crossing, and Ngamoko Range Access Track. Oroua car park reachable from Kimbolton (1-hour drive) or Mangaweka (30 min). No booking, payment by Standard Hut Ticket (honesty box) or Backcountry Hut Pass: NZ$10/5 adult/child until 30 June 2026, free under age 4.