Mangatainoka Hut
The place
A standard DOC hut at 720 m in Kaweka Forest Park (Hawke's Bay, NZ), near the park's northern boundary, on the true left bank of the Mangatainoka River. Built in 1966. Wood stove, river water, meat safe, long drop. Recent improvements: a front veranda and external woodshed. No booking: Standard ticket (adults $10, children $5, under-4s free) or Backcountry Hut Pass. Access from Tussock Hut, 5-6 hours / 9 km via a marked route; or from Te Puia Lodge, 9 hours via river valleys (permission from Māori landowners required). Unmarked trails, demanding terrain: backcountry preparation and navigation skills essential. Winter: little sun, frost, occasional snow. Helipad 25 m away (contact North Island central concessionaires).
A bit of history
Built in 1966. Recent improvements: a front veranda and external woodshed.
