Iron Bark Hut
Standard hutRuahine Forest Park, Manawatū-WhanganuiOpen
Current advisories
Iron Bark suspension bridge damage
02 August 2026
Iron Bark suspension bridge has been damaged by a fallen tree and has been removed. Trampers will need to cross a river instead. Do not cross the river if it is fast, murky, messy or loud. Identify a safer route or stay at a hut or shelter until the river is safe to cross. This is a long-term alert. First published on 6 October 2025. Last reviewed on 3 August 2026.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai alerts.
- Sleeps
- 6 bunks
- Booking
- Not bookable
- Cost
- from $15
- Heating
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Not drinkable
- Toilet
- Non-flush
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzTime: 3 hoursDistance: 5 km
Follow the track Mokai Road End to Otukota Hut
From Otukota Hut follow the marked track to Iron Bark Hut. It’s dangerous to cross or follow the river when the water level is high which can occur during or after heavy rain.
- Topo map
- Topo50 sheet BK36
- Grid reference
- E1865190, N5602937
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map and tracks
Track lines: DOC Te Papa Atawhai. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 39.68173° S, 176.09261° E
About this place
This is a standard six-bunk hut in the Manawatu.
On the way here
Ruahine Corner to Rangitane Road · 4 days
Day 2: Colenso Hut to Iron Bark Hut
Time: 5 - 6 hr
From Colenso Hut follow the track a short distance to the Lake Colenso turnoff. A short 2 minute track takes you to an excellent vantage point of this very picturesque lake. Continue on the main track passing the track turnoff to the Unknown Campsite and crossing the creek before climbing a long ridge through forest up and then back down to reach the Waikamaka River just downstream from where the Unknown Stream enters. Iron Bark Hut is across the Waikamaka River on the true left.
Day 3: Iron Bark to Otukota Hut
Time: 3 - 4 hr
Follow the Waikamaka River upstream all the way to Otukota Hut. If the river is high you can take a high level track from Iron Bark Hut. Cross the swingbridge just upstream of the hut and follow the track up on to a high ridge before descending back to the Waikamaka River, where you will need to cross the river to reach Otukota Hut on the other side (note this is not a bridged crossing).
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Fees and bookings
Before you go, buy Hut Tickets for each night's stay. Put these in the honesty box at the hut. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass that gives unlimited use at most Standard and Serviced huts for a 12 month period. Retailers that sell hut tickets and passes
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Otukota Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Manawatū-Whanganui • 2.5 km
Otukota Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in the Manawatu region.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Colenso Hut
Standard • 8 bunks • Manawatū-Whanganui • 4.3 km
Colenso Hut is a standard eight-bunk hut located in the Manawatu region.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Ruahine Corner Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Manawatū-Whanganui • 8.8 km
Ruahine Corner Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in the Manawatu region.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Walks nearby
Mokai Road End to Otukota Hut
Advanced • 4-5 hr • 3.94 km away
Rangitane Road to Crow Hut Loop Track
Advanced • 3 days • 9.07 km away
McKinnon Hut Track
Advanced • 8 - 10 hr • 10.2 km away
Colenso Spur Track
Advanced • 4-5 hr one way • 11.06 km away
Sparrowhawk Track
Advanced • 3-4 hr • 4.9 km • 11.65 km away
Contact
DOC Customer Service Centre
Regional DOC service centre.
Notes from people who have been
No notes yet. If you have been, say what you found.
Something missing or out of date?
Closed, moved, wrong facts, or something we have missed? Travellers keep the Road Guide up to date. Tell us what you found at contribute@parkup.nz and we will check it and add it.
Ask us to take this down
A person reads every request. We do not remove a place until we have checked it.
Sources
- DOC Huts (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).
- OpenStreetMap Huts · ODbL (Open Database License)Contains information from OpenStreetMap, made available under the ODbL.
- DOC Huts · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.