Whariwharangi Hut
Located in Abel Tasman National Park in the Nelson/Tasman region
Introduction
Sited in a grassy clearing in regenerating bush Whariwharangi Hut is the most northern Great Walk Hut on the Abel Tasman Track. Built around 1896, this historic hut was restored in 1980 and it is now available as a tramping hut.Facilities
- Heating
- Mattresses
- Toilets - flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Huts on the Abel Tasman Coast Track don't have gas cooking facilities and lighting. Remember to take a portable stove and fuel, and candles with you.
Fees
1 October – 30 April
New Zealand citizens and those ordinarily resident in New Zealand:
- Adult (18+ years): $42 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required
International visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $56 per person, per night
- Child (17 years and under): $32 per person, per night
1 May – 30 June, and September
All visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $32 per night
- Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required
1 July – 31 August
All visitors:
- Adult (18+ years): $26 per night
- Child (17 years and under): free but booking still required
Proof of eligibility is required for the New Zealand rate.
Bookings
Book online or contact Whakatū/Nelson Visitor Centre for more information.
Heritage
Built around 1896, this historic hut was restored in 1980 by the Abel Tasman Park Board. They made significant modifications and it is now available as a tramping hut.
Originally created as a farmhouse, Whariwharangi Hut was built by John Handcock who lived in the valley with his family for 15 years.
Whariwharangi was last inhabited in 1926, but farmed until 1972. During this later period the homestead served as a stockmans hut. The farms in this northern end of the Park, although the last to be retired, eventually succumbed to the impoverished granite soils.
Historic themes are pastoralism and farming. Many farms in this area had to be abandoned, and this is a notable reminder of that era and changing land use.
Fabric
The fabric is significant as it is a pleasing example of a small one and a half storey farmhouse.
A conventional timber framed one and a half storey building, rectangular in plan. The gable roof is clad in corrugated iron, and the exterior walls are weather-board. It has a full-length veranda on the front, a full-length lean-to along the rear, and two brick chimneys; windows are double hung.
The ground floor has a central passage with a bunkroom and storage room on one side and a large main room on the other. Upstairs there are two smaller bunkrooms. There are 20 bunks in total. The interior of the hut has many original features including a built-in staircase and timber wall panelling.
Conservation
The hut will be maintained to protect its historic fabric and minimise deterioration. A conservation plan has been prepared to guide its management.
Approximate times from nearest road end and hut
- Totaranui (Totaranui Road or water taxi) via Gibbs Hill Track: 3 hr (9 km)
- Wainui car park (McShane Road) via Abel Tasman Coast Track: 2 hr (5.7 km)
- Awaroa Hut via Abel Tasman Coast Track: 5 hr 35 min (16.9 km)
Tracks to this hut
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BN25
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1597715, N5484678
COVID-19 vaccination policy
Eligible people aged 12 years three months and over must be fully vaccinated to use DOC accommodation. See COVID-19 vaccination policy.
Contacts
| Whakatū / Nelson Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 546 9339 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
Millers Acre/Taha o te Awa 79 Trafalgar Street Nelson 7010 |
| Postal Address: |
Private Bag 5 Nelson 7042 |
| Full office details | |
| Motueka i-SITE Visitor Information Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 528 6543 |
| Email: | info@motuekaisite.co.nz |
| Address: |
20 Wallace Street Motueka 7120 |
| Postal Address: | |
| Full office details | |