This is probably the most popular hut in the Ruahines.  It's very easy to get to, but still really nice for all that.  It has been expanded since his photo was taken. Sleeps: Lots, 20+ I think now. Heating: Gas on tap Camping: Not a lot around the hut at all

This ''biv'' which is the size of a hut is tucked up in the upper Pohangina and doesn't get a lot of traffic. Sleeps: Two on bunks, but there's a lot more room on the concrete floor. Heating: Open fire Camping: There is some around the hut and more downstream.

This six bunk hut sits on a terrace in the upper Kawhatau - a very picturesque spot. Sleeps: Six Heating: Open fore that smokes like no ones business. Camping:  Lots of good camping on river flats in this part of the world.

Middle stream is a very dark hut high in - surprise surprise - Middle Stream. Sleeps: Four Heating: Open fire Camping: Middle stream is not ideal camping.

This stand up biv sits deep in the canyon of the Waikotore stream.  It gets very little sun and is known as ''the fridge.''  The last report I heard was that it had a bad leak.  The stream itself is incredible, deeply incised with massive papa bluffs.  A very spectacular place.  Sleeps: Two Heating: No - it's an ...

Mckinnon is tyical of the NZFS at their best.  A sunny spot, great views, relatively sheltered and heaps of firewood nearby.  It nestles against the bushedge below the northern Hikurangi range.  A great winter destination - take the skis. Sleeps: Six Heating: Corker cooker Camping: No.  You could camp on top of the Hikurangi ...

This yellow six bunker doesn't see a lot of use.  It sits in a sunny clearing the NZFS dynamited out of the forest, high up a minor branch of the Makaretu.  This area is neat tramping with lots of low bushed saddles, open forest and attractive streams. Sleeps: Six Heating: Open fire Camping: There was some around the hut

Kawhatau Base is a locked facility at the roadend on the true right of the Kawhatau river. Sleeps: ? Heating: Probably? Camping: Heaps of good camping around the hut, also a wood shed if its raining.  Theres a toilet as well! Please be respectful of the private land you must drive across to access this roadend.

This hut has bucket loads of character and is worth the diversion if heading from Awatere to Makaretu.  It's right near the edge of the park in the Makaretu catchment.  It's on a high terrace and took a wee bit of finding. Sleeps: Can't remember but think it was six bunks. Heating: Can't recall Camping: Yes, its on a big grassy ...

This derelict shack is a short way donwstream from Awatere hut.  I was obliged to plunge into the thick bush to try and find it on a trip past there. Sleeps: The desperate! Heating: You wouldn't stay anyway! Camping: Now your talking - a much better way to enjoy the Makaretu North branch