​Where: 
Hokowhitu, Palmerston North

Text or call:
027 470 9829

Email:
[email protected]

Cost:
Koha (donation)
Bank TSB
Swift code:
​**TSBANZ22**
Account: Whiowhio
15-3977-0068408-00
Ref: [Your name]
​

Manaaki Ruahine is a member of the Ruahine Whio Protectors collective. Anthony and Fiona are two of the signatories on the agreement that Manaaki Ruahine has with DOC to work in the Ruahine Forest Park. Most of the donations from Whiowhio Hut go towards Manaaki Ruahine.

You can find out all about Manaaki Ruahine's work on their Facebook page.

You can see our up-to-date (hopefullt) hiker gallery on our Instagram page.

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 3 at a squeeze, but there is an overflow room and tent space in the garden.
​
The hut 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 known 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.

Sometimes we need a break, so occasionally we shut the door - that's why it's a good idea to give us a ring before you arrive.

How much does it cost?

We ask for koha - so it costs what you think it's worth. The money we receive from hikers and bikers will be used to cover costs and donations 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. We also donate to other conservation projects as well as some Te Araroa projects. eg In Oct 2019 hut koha paid for a bail of insulation for nearby Tokomaru Shelter.

New Zealand's 10 dollar note features a family of Whio on it. We reckon two of these blue notes ($20) is a good amount for each visitor to donate per night - 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.