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 

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

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 ...