Tarn Ridge Hut

The place

DOC alpine hut in Tararua Forest Park, at 1,337 m below Girdlestone summit, on the classic Northern Crossing (Wairarapa / Wellington/Kapiti). A critical stopover between Arete Hut (3-4 h) and Dorset Ridge Hut (2 h). Important: the hut suffered water damage during a storm in 2020; DOC recommends seeking alternative shelter where possible. Accessing water requires lifting the tank lid (broken tap). No reservations; payment by hut tickets or Backcountry Hut Pass (NZ$10/5 until 30 June 2026).