Te Puia Hut (Lodge)

Located in Kaweka Forest Park in the Hawke’s Bay region

Te Puia Hut provides a great overnight tramp for families with children or new trampers.

Te Puia Hut lies on the banks of the scenic Mohaka River – swim, fish for trout, or keep a look out for the rare blue duck/whio. From the hut, walk to Mangatainoka Hot Springs for a soak.

The hut is a popular destination for day trips, overnight and longer tramps, as well as for hunters.

Facilities

  • Bunks – platform (shared) bunks with mattresses
  • Water supply: cold water from a rain collection tank – boil water before consumption
  • Heating: woodburner – as wood is flown in via helicopter it is not always available, resupply typically occurs during winter months.
  • Solar lighting in the communal kitchen area – power is unreliable, we're looking into it
  • Long drop toilet a short walk from the hut
  • Space for camping outside the hut
  • Two gas cookers are supplied, each has two hobs
Huts have basic facilities. You'll need to take:
  • Sleeping bag
  • Cooking stove, pots/pans and utensils
  • Toilet paper
  • Rubbish bag
  • Newspaper/firelighters and matches/lighter for the wood burner/fire
  • Torch

Heritage

The original lodge was constructed in 1973 but was destroyed by fire within a short time of completion. It was replaced by a similar lodge in 1975 and upgraded in 1994.

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $25 per night
  • Child/youth (5–17 years): $12.50 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

Before you go, buy 1 Serviced Hut Ticket (green) or 1 Serviced Youth Hut Tickets (red) for each night's stay. Put these in the honesty box at the hut. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass for unlimited use at most Serviced and Standard huts for a 12 month period.

About hut tickets and passes | Retailers that sell hut tickets and passes

Walking

  • From Makahu Road: 2–3 hr
  • From Makino Hut: 1 hr 30 min

Getting to Makahu Road

Makahu Road is 75 km north-west of Napier. From Napier follow Puketitiri Road for 40 km before turning right into Pakaututu Road. Makahu Road is 9 km on the left.

At the very end of the road, 500 metres from the Mangatutu Hot Springs and camping area, is "The Gums" parking area and shelter. The tracks to Te Puia Lodge and Mangatainoka Hot Springs begin here.

The trip involves about 1 hr of travel on unsealed gravel roads. There is a river ford on Makahu Road 7.5 km from the road end – heavy rain and snow melt can affect the water level.

Makahu Road is steep and narrow in places. It may be slippery when wet. Take extra caution driving this road.

The road is not suitable for caravans or campervans.

Check with Hasting's District Council for road closures.

Kaweka Forest Park access conditions

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

  • Lotkow Road: The river crossings are regularly changing, check before crossing.
  • Lakes carpark is accessible via Kuripapango road. The previous access Castle Rock road is now closed due to ongoing forestry operations.
  • Lawrence Carpark access road: The last 600 m of the road is steep and not recommended for 2WD vehicles - a parking space is available before the descent. The Lawrence swing bridge has been removed.
  • Mackintosh car park is currently closed due to ongoing forestry operations. A new parking location can be located at a skid site near the closed gate (end of Kuripapango Road), this will add on 500 m walking to reach the start of the track.
  • Whittle Road: Be aware of trucks using the quarry. Give them right of way where possible. 

Tracks to this hut

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: BH37
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1894574, N5658562

Wasp populations may increase in the warmer months – wear light-coloured clothing and carry appropriate medication.

Climate: The hut can experience brief snowfalls during cold southerly weather and strong westerly winds.