This rough looking but charming little hut sits near the triple forks high up the north branch of the Makaretu.  Its easily reached from Moorcock saddle, and a trip into these parts is an interesting alternative to the more well trodden Longview-Howletts loop. Sleeps: Three Heating: An open fire Camping: You can find some camping in ...

This unusual hut sits on the southern Ruahine range, in a clearing among the vast unbroken expanse of leatherwood that is the feature here.  It can be reached by vehicle from the Takapari road and by the looks of it, they have trashed it.  The quickest way on foot is to grunt up the hill from the Tamaki river. Sleeps: About four on a ...

A very pleasant hut in a minor branch of the Pohangina river.  The hut is on a high terrace in the distinctive montane forest in this part of the Ruahines. Sleeps: About 8 on two platforms. Heating: A little pot belly that does a good job.  The magnificent huge cooker that was here on my first visit was sadly removed. Camping: Not a ...

The grandiose name isn't really backed up by this ''nice enough'' hut on a terrace high above the gravels of the Waipawa river. Sleeps: 16 or so in two bunk rooms, with room for more in the central room. Heating: The centre room (not he bunk wings) has a wood burner Camping: Limited around the hut and the Waipawa is very gravelly.

''Upper Mak'' is a gem.  This four bunker sits tucked on a sunny terrace in the Makaroro.  Great as a destination in its own right, or as a stopover to some beaut Ruahine country. Sleeps: Four Heating: A brilliantly efficient corker cooker Camping: Not as good as it looks from the photo, but you'll find a few places

This biv nestles in a hollow in Black Ridge, not far from the bushedge.  A feature here is the ''loo with a view''. Sleeps: Two Heating: No Camping: The hut is in a hollow of leatherwood and long lank tussock, but a wider search of Black Ridge will revel some super fine weather camping.

Stanfields is a breathtakingly uninspiring hut in the middle reaches of the West Tamaki river, though the massive amounts of gravel that blew out the stream next door are impressive. Sleeps: Eight or so on a platform Heating: I recall some kind of burner Camping: The Tamaki is heavily gravelled and not ideal for camping.  The roadend is ...

This six bunker is the best hut in the North Island.  It sits at the edge of the Mangohane plateau, a vast expanse of Red tussock in front of it and a fringe of Kaikawaka (Mountain Cedar) behind.  Fascinating limestone outcrops dominate the area. Sleeps: Six on very comfortable wooden bunks Heating: A superb cooker that is even better ...

New Purity is a warm and welcoming hut on the long leading spur off Wooden Peg the southern Hikurangi Range.  The double glazing works a treat (even if it seems a bit flash to have double glazed the long drop!), and the views across the crumpled Rangitikei hill country to the mountain are sumptuous. Sleeps: Six Heating: A great ...

This four bunk hut sits in a clearing on the otherwise bushed Parks Peak ridge Sleeps: Four Heating: A corker cooker - dry firewood can be a problem here Camping: Some in the hut clearing