Tussock Hut

Getting there

There is a helipad 25 metres behind the hut. Flight availability and costs can be obtained from helicopter concessionaires in the central North Island.

Tussock Hut can be reached by:

From Boyd's Lodge in the Kaimanawa Forest Park allow 3 hours travel time, but take care that fording the Ngaruroro River is safe following heavy rainfall.

The track starts at the carpark and climbs over the main Kaweka Range (1700 metres) via a poled track passing a side track to Ballard Hut. The track continues to Tira Lodge and Te Puke Hut down past Harkness Hut before heading north up Tussock Valley to Tussock Hut.

Some caution may be required during adverse weather conditions on the exposed open tops.

This track starts at the roadend for Makino Hut and climbs steadily up to Makino Hut. The track then heads down into the Makino River valley, rising up to the Mangaturutu Tops and Mangaturutu Hut. From here the track passes Te Puke Hut down past Harkness Hut before heading north up Tussock Valley to Tussock Hut.

Tussock Hut is well situated for brief or overnight stops when heading to further points throughout the park and also as a ‘through’ trip from the Kaimanawa Forest Park to the eastern boundaries of the Kaweka Forest Park. For example a tramp from Makahu Saddle car park would require 2 to 3 days or approximately 17 hours travel time with a full pack.

From Tussock Hut, formed tracks lead south to Harkness Hut (up to 3 hours) and west to Boyd's Lodge (reached after 2.5 hours by fording the Ngaruroro River). By continuing south and following the Ngaawapurua (Harkness) Stream, Ngaawapurua Hut can be reached at the junction of the Ngaruroro River and Harkness stream (5 hours).

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

Topo map

Topo50 sheet BH37

Grid reference

E1877800, N5659920

Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.