Puketī Forest Hut

Located in Puketī and Omahuta Forests in the Northland region

This is a serviced 18-bed hut in the Puketī Recreation Area of the Puketī-Omahuta Forest, one of the largest continuous tracts of native forest in Northland.

Puketī Recreation Area Campsite is located nearby. 

Facilities

  • 18 beds (two-tier platform bunks)
  • Cold tap water
  • The water is not treated – you may wish to boil it before drinking
  • Electricity
  • Gas hob with wok burner
  • Underbench fridge (small)
  • Indoor fireplace (wood is sometimes available – check the wood store)
  • Outdoor fireplaces at the campsite (due to the increased fire risks, use of the outdoor fireplaces are not allowed during summer) 
  • 1 cold shower
  • 2 non-flush toilets
  • Indoor tables
  • Mattresses

Fees

Backcountry Hut Passes

Passes are valid for use in this hut from 1 May to 30 September. Passes won't be accepted from 1 October to 30 April.

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

Hut tickets cannot be used in this hut. 

How to pay with your Backcountry Hut Pass.

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

Bookings

Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2025.

All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.

Bookings are required all year.

Book Puketī Forest Hut online.

A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.

Bookings are limited to 7 consecutive nights.

The hut is ideal for large groups, however, it is available for anyone wishing to book it.

Your hut booking is for any bunk bed, not for a specific bunk bed – select your bunk bed on arrival.

Puketī Hut is located in the Puketī Recreation Area next to the Puketī Recreation Area Campsite. 

There are several places that you can access the recreation area from. The recommended entry point is from SH10 approximately 600 m north of the Waipapa Township. 

Turn left along Pungaere Road past the sign directing you to the Puketī Forest Park. Follow Pungaere Road for approximately 15 km. Take care as part of the road is gravelled. At a T-intersection, turn left, follow the road for about 2 km. The entrance of the recreation area will be on your right. 

If using alternative routes, refer to local maps as there is no DOC signage at other possible entry points to the Puketī Forest.
  • There is vehicle access to the hut.
  • The hut contains 18 bed spaces in two-tier platform bunks. It is recommended that children less than 12 years old should only sleep on the bottom beds due to risk of falling causing serious injury.
  • No smoking inside the hut.
  • The hut is locked. You will receive instructions on getting the access code in your booking confirmation letter.
  • The hut must be locked when you leave.
  • Due to the increased fire risks during summer, use of the outdoor fireplaces in the campground are currently not allowed.
  • Domestic pets or animals are not permitted in or around the hut or campground.
  • You must report all damages to the local DOC office.
  • Education groups are welcome to get in touch as DOC staff can share their knowledge to improve your experience.

You need to bring:

  • Bedding and linen
  • Cutlery, plates, cups and all cooking utensils
  • Personal hygiene equipment
  • Cleaning supplies and equipment
  • All rubbish needs to be packed out on leaving

Check in/out times

Check in time: Between 12 pm and 4 pm
Check out time: Between 8 am and noon