Pāhautea Hut
Located in Pirongia Forest Park in the Waikato region
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Introduction
This is a standard 20-bunk hut with a campers' shelter on Mt Pirongia in the Waikato area.Facilities
- Mattresses
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Image gallery
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Cooking area in Pahautea Hut Image: | DOC
![Cooking area in Pahautea Hut.]( "Cooking area in Pahautea Hut.")
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View of the central plateau mountains from Pahautea Hut at sunrise Image: Sean Willcock | Creative Commons
![View from Pahautea Hut.]( "View from Pahautea Hut.")
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Pahautea Hut Image: | DOC
![Pahautea Hut.]( "Pahautea Hut.")
This hut sits right next to Pāhautea Hut Campsite.
Facilities and services
The hut sleeps 20 people on platform bunks in two bunkrooms. It has mattresses and a water supply, but no heating or cooking facilities – take a portable cooker.
Nearby, there are campsites and a camping shelter.
Name of the hut
The hut takes its name from nearby pāhautea trees (mountain cedar – Libocedrus bidwilli) growing at the northern edge of their natural range. These trees are aged between 600 and 700 years old.
Fees
Hut
Sunday to Friday
- Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
- Child/youth (5-17 years): $5 per night
- Infant (0-4 years): free
Saturday
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Child/youth (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
- Infant: (0-4 years): free
Camping
- Adult (18+ years): free
- Child/youth (5–17 years): free
- Infant (0–4 years): free
For both the hut and campsite, you must book. Even though the campsites are free of charge, a booking is required to secure your place.
Backcountry Hut Passes can be used at this hut. To pay with your Backcountry Hut Pass, create/update your account on our booking system. Under 'Apply for a discount', select 'Backcountry Hut Pass Holder' and upload a scan of your pass. Once we've verified your pass, it will automatically be applied when you make a booking.
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.
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.
Tracks to this hut
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Bell Track
Located in Pirongia Forest ParkCombine this track with Tahuanui Track for an overnight circuit to Pāhautea Hut and Mount Pirongia.Duration 6 - 10 hrDifficulty Advanced -
Hihikiwi Track
Located in Pirongia Forest ParkHihikiwi Track is the shortest track to Pāhautea Hut and Pirongia summit. Walk to the lookout point on Mount Pirongia for one of the best vantage points over the west coast harbours.Duration 3 - 4 hr one way to the lookout | 4 - 6 hr one way to the summitDifficulty Advanced -
![Pirongia summit via Mahaukura and Tirohanga Tracks]()
Pirongia summit via Mahaukura and Tirohanga Tracks
Located in Pirongia Forest ParkChoose a there-and-back track to the summit of Mount Pirongia, or combine the tracks for a circuit trip to Pāhautea Hut. There are climbing chains on difficult parts of the track.Duration 1 - 2 daysDifficulty Advanced
Location
Topo50 map sheet: BE33
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1783680, N5792835
It rains a lot on Pirongia – be prepared for cold, wet weather. Remember to:
- check the weather forecast and change your plans if needed
- plan which tracks you will take to and from the hut and carry a map
- pack warm and waterproof clothing
- pack enough food for an extra night
- take a fully charged mobile phone and a distress beacon.
No campfires allowed.
Contacts
| Booking office contact | |
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| Phone | +64 7 867 9080 |
| kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz | |
| DOC Customer Service Centre | |
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| Phone | 0800 275 362 |
| waikato@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | DOC offices |