Mangatainoka Hut

Getting there

Note the hut site is approximately 200 metres from the northern Kaweka Forest Park boundary. Permission is required from the Māori landowners to access their land.

The helipad is located on the old riverbed terrace, approximately 25 metres from the hut. Flight availability and costs can be obtained from helicopter concessionaires in the central North Island.

From Tussock Hut, a marked route leads north to the top northern finger of the Tussock Valley and then heads north-east up, along and down a ridge that joins the upper Mangatainoka River. From here, the track is not well defined and trampers can follow the river down to the hut. Expect this trip to take 5 to 6 hours to cover approximately 9 kilometres.

From Te Puia Lodge travel to Mangatainoka Hut is over private land via the river valleys of the Mohaka and Mangatainoka and permission is required to access this area. This route is not well defined and can take up to 9 hours.

Mangatainoka Hut is best suited to trampers seeking a back-country wilderness experience. The absence of well marked tracks and the sometimes confusing terrain of many ridges and gullies mean that trampers should be well prepared for back-country travel and experienced at navigation with maps and compass/GPS. The terrain in the south east towards the Waimatai catchment and the main Kaweka Range can be steep and the twisting creek systems possess some awkward to negotiate gorges – travel can be difficult here.

Those trampers keen to travel off the beaten track in this area should consult with department staff familiar with the area.

We recommend 4WD vehicles to reduce wear on the road and safe travel.

Topo map

Topo50 sheet BH37

Grid reference

E1884615, N5661974

Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.