Whiowhio Hut

​Where: 
Hokowhitu, Palmerston North

Text or call:
027 470 9829

Email:
whiowhiohut@swampthing.co.nz

Cost:
Koha (donation)
Bank TSB
Account: Whiowhio
15-3977-0068408-00
Ref: [Your name]

The Heart of Te Araroa

​Whiowhio Hut is almost exactly half way along Te Araroa and sits just 628m from the trail itself near the Manawatu River in Palmerston North.

We have built it for Te Araroa hikers (and Tour Aotearoa bikepackers) to stay in as they make their way south...or north. It sleeps 4 at a squeeze, but there is overflow room for tents in the garden.
​
It has been made as a tribute to New Zealand's iconic Forest Service (NZFS) huts. Small tin boxes that were built for deer cullers around the 1950s and 60s. Designed as workers huts, they are now a vital part of New Zealand's backcountry tramping network. 

There are more than 900 huts in New Zealand's conservation estate, many are ex-forest service, but there are plenty of other types; old farm huts, tramping club huts, hunting bivvies and more. The Department of Conservation manages most of these huts now, but many are being restored by volunteers. Often they are painted in what has become know as DoC Rescue Orange - the colour of Whiowhio Hut. 

Gallery 
​Click to scroll through

Want to stay at Whiowhio Hut?

​Text us on: 027 470 9829 and we'll let you know if there is room and supply you with further details.

Who can stay at Whiowhio Hut

Te Araroa hikers and Tour Aotearoa bike packers. Other outdoor people are welcome to get in touch...we'll see what we can do.

How much does it cost?

We ask for koha - so it costs what you think it's worth. All the money we receive from hikers and bikers will be donated to the Ruahine Whio Protectors - a group of volunteers who spend a lot of time and energy on the Ruahine Ranges trapping stoats, rats and other nasty critters. Read about them here. The money goes to help cover the cost of traps, bait and transport.

New Zealand's 10 dollar note features a family of Whio on it. We reckon this is a good amount for each visitor to donate - but we're happy to take more off your hands if you're feeling generous.

How long can you stay

Two nights or more by arrangement.

Facilities

3+ bunk hut, tent sites, shower, laundry, toilet, kitchen, electricity, bikes and BBQ.