Taruarau Bivouac

The place

Basic 2-bunk DOC bivouac at 1,100 m in Ruahine Forest Park (Hawke's Bay), west of the main ridge on a spur, at the edge of beech forest. Built in 1960 by the New Zealand Forest Service, renovated in January 2022 by Backcountry Trust volunteers. A very exposed site: frequent westerly winds, heavy rainfall, snow possible year-round. Clear views to the Kaweka Ranges. Free access, no fee, but a permit and key are required via the ballot system to cross Big Hill Station (a private road). Approach: from the park boundary, about 10 km along No Man's Road past the Ruahine Hut turnoff, then a marked track from Diane's Hut that climbs onto the Taruarau Ridge. Map BK37, NZTM2000 E1880793, N5617953.