Tauanui Hut
Standard hutAorangi Forest Park, WellingtonOpen
Current advisories
Tauanui Hut is closed
24 August 2026
Tauanui Hut is temporarily closed as it was damaged by floodwaters in April 2026. The flood also changed the surrounding landscape, increasing the risk of future flooding. We are assessing the damage and considering next steps. First published on 23 July 2026. Last reviewed on 25 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.nzIf you're coming from Pirinoa, access to Tauanui Hut is by Whakatomotomo Road (off Lake Ferry Road) and then through private forestry access land. No landowner consent is required if you follow the instructions below.
You must park before the forestry gate. It is walking access only from the gate up to the Taunui River and Aorangi Forst Park boundary, then up to Tauanui Hut.
How to get there:
Ensure you respect this private land.
This is a backcountry hut with no DOC track access. You will need to plan your route and navigate yourself, using aids like a map, compass and GPS. Learn navigation skills.
- Topo map
- Topo50 sheet BQ33
- Grid reference
- E1792674, N5415581
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 41.38776° S, 175.30505° E
About this place
This is a standard six-bunk hut in the Wairarapa 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.
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Non-powered/tent sites • Toilets - flush • Water from stream
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A person reads every request. We do not remove a place until we have checked it.
Sources
- 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).
- DOC Huts · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.