Penn Creek Hut
Standard hutTararua Forest Park, WellingtonOpen
Current advisories
Predator control for part of Tararua Forest Park
02 June 2026
We distributed toxic bait pellets containing 1080 by helicopter on 19 May 2026. A caution period is in place for approximately 8 months. Visitors are advised not to take dogs into the area until the caution period has ended. 1080 is deadly to dogs. How to keep dogs safe around 1080 . This operation is part of DOC's National Predator Control Programme to protect native species. First published on 2 May 2026. Last reviewed on 3 June 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.nzThe hut is best accessed via Otaki Forks, following the track to Field Hut and Table Top.
- Topo map
- Topo50 sheet BP33
- Grid reference
- E1792583, N5469684
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 40.90155° S, 175.28637° E
About this place
This is a standard six-bunk hut in the Kapiti region.
Know before you go
Stay safe when crossing rivers and streams
If you plan to cross unbridged rivers or side streams, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross. Do not cross if the river or stream is flooded, you cannot find safe entry and exit points or are unsure it’s safe. Turn back or wait for the river to drop. If in doubt, stay out. How to cross rivers safely NIWA river flow forecasts: View a video of national followed by regional river flows
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
Field Hut
Standard • 20 bunks • Wellington • 2.6 km
Field Hut is a standard 20-bunk hut located in the Kapiti region. It was one of the first purpose built tramping huts in the country and is the oldest…
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Maungahuka Hut
Standard • 10 bunks • Wellington • 4.2 km
Maungahuka Hut is a standard 10-bunk hut located in the Wairarapa region.
Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Kime Hut
Standard • 20 bunks • Wellington • 4.8 km
Kime Hut is a standard 20-bunk hut located in the Wairarapa region. It serves as a shelter on the Southern Crossing trail.
Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Parawai Lodge
Standard • 18 bunks • Wellington • 5.5 km
Parawai Lodge is a standard 18-bunk hut located in the Kapiti region of Wellington.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Winchcombe Biv
Basic/bivvies • 2 bunks • Wellington • 5.7 km
Winchcombe Biv is a two-bunk forestry service style bivouac located in the Tararua Forest Park. It includes two mattresses, room for one additional sleeping…
Walks nearby
Field Hut and Table Top
Intermediate • 6–7 hr return • 4.31 km away
Waitewaewae Hut Track
Advanced • 5 - 7 hr one way • 5.06 km away
Arcus Loop Track
Easy • 50 min • 3.5 km • 5.54 km away
Neill Winchcombe Circuit
Advanced • 3 days • 5.71 km away
Neill Forks to Maungahuka Track
Advanced • 4 hr • 3.8 km • 5.82 km away
Contact
Wellington/Kapiti information
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 · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.
- OpenStreetMap Huts · ODbL (Open Database License)Contains information from OpenStreetMap, made available under the ODbL.
- 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).