Holly Hut: Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, Taranaki region

Introduction

This 32-bunk serviced hut is a gateway to some of the most spectacular features of Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki.

Discover the Outdoors interactive map

About this hut

Holly Hut is a great place to base yourself for a couple of days to explore the surrounding area. Ahukawakawa (an extensive alpine swamp) lies at the hut's doorstep, and nearby the mighty Te Rere-o-Tahurangi Falls roar over an ancient lava flow. If you're lucky you may hear the call of kiwi in the bush around the hut at night.

Facilities and services

Containment tank toilet a short walk from the hut
Solar lighting
Cold running water from a rainwater tank
Fireplace with wood supplied

Fees and bookings

Fees

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

Backcountry Hut Passes can be used at this hut.

How to pay with your Backcountry Hut Pass.

Camping

Outside Holly Hut there is space for approximately 10 small tents. Camping is first-come-first-served.

Camping elsewhere is discouraged.

Fees to camp at the hut

Fees to camp at this hut are paid using hut tickets or a Backcountry Hut Pass or Campsite Pass.

Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
Youth (5–17 years): $5 per night
Child/Infant (0–4years): free

Before you go, buy 1 Standard Hut Ticket (blue for adults, red for youth) for each night's stay. Put this in the honesty box at the hut.

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

Bookings

Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2026.

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 Holly 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.

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

Getting there

Holly Hut is around 3 - 4 hours tramp from North Taranaki Visitor Centre.

Tracks to this hut

Around the Mountain Circuit
Located in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki and North Egmont areaThe challenging Around the Mountain Circuit offers you spectacular bush and alpine scenery. It is best tramped from October to April.
Duration: 4–5 days loop
Difficulty: Advanced, Expert
2 alerts
Holly Hut Track
Located in Te Papa-Kura-o-TaranakiWalk to Holly Hut for a day or overnight tramp.
Duration: 3-4 hr one way
Difficulty: Advanced
1 alerts
Pouākai Circuit
Located in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki and North Egmont areaThe premier 2–3 day tramp in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. It offers spectacular views of Taranaki Maunga and the surrounding countryside. The 25 km track passes through forest, alpine tussock fields and the unique Ahukawakawa.
Duration: 2 - 3 days
Difficulty: Advanced
2 alerts

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: BJ29
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1690231, N5653249

Holly Hut