Image: DOC
Happy Daze Hut.
Happy Daze Hut

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

This is a basic four-bunk hut in the Hawke's Bay region. This site also offers plenty of camping space.
  • Water source - Rainwater tank
  • Heating - open fire

Happy Daze was originally built by Stacker Johnston in January 1958 as a private recreational hut. The area the hut inhabits was known as Māori Flat due to the former presence of a pā site there. The land was purchased by the crown in the 1960s.

Fees

Free

No DOC tracks lead to Happy Daze Hut. Visitors should not expect DOC track markers or formed tracks.

Access via the Makaretu River from Kashmir Road

The hut can be accessed via the Makaretu River from Kashmir Road-end via Awatere Hut or from Makaretu Hut. Leave the river at the junction of the North and South Makaretu Rivers, then climb steeply before sidling across to Happy Daze Hut.

Access via Makaretu River from Paget Road

The Ruahine Forest Park can be accessed by following the Makaretu River from Paget Road, noting the following conditions:

  • Walking access only. Follow all signage and marker poles.
  • No dogs are allowed up the river due to the risk of sheep measles and the presence of whio.
  • Do not use this access if the river is flooded. Turn back and wait for the water level to drop.
  • Access is closed from 1 August to 10 November for lambing. Consider Ngamoko or Kashmir Roads as alternative access points during this time.
  • The ad medium filum aquae (AMF) principle applies to parts of the hydro parcel (river bed). This means that the permission of the neighbouring property is needed to access to the midline of the river at many points. Follow the marker poles to stay on the parts of the hydro parcel where access permission is not needed. Simply following the river will mean that you stray onto private property and may be trespassed.
  • Hapi Daze Hut is about 500 m from the Forest Park boundary via a well-formed and marked track.
  • There is some parking near the Paget Road bridge. Park on the side of the gravel road, keeping clear of gateways and access to the river or shingle bed. Vehicles blocking access will be towed at the owner’s expense. This area may be subject to flooding at times; vehicles are parked at the owner’s risk.

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: BL36
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1868201, N5567818

Stay safe when crossing rivers

If you plan to cross unbridged rivers, know how to cross safely and be prepared for if you cannot cross.

Do not cross if the river 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