Alpha Hut

Alpha hut sits just in the bush on the Marchant Ridge side of Alpha. Its in quite a popular area with the Southern Crossing and increasing numbers coming across from Renata. Its in an excellent location with many a warm summers day spent out in the sun in the front of the hut. It can accommodate up to 16 people on mattresses comfortably and needs to in mid summer when the Southern Crossings in full use.

Powell Hut

Easily the most visited hut in the Tararuas and with good reason. Awesome is the only way to describe a night on the mountain although expect it to be cold and crowded no matter what time of year. I've spent many a comfortable night out on the balcony while everyone inside puts up with the cold, snoring and people moving around at all hours. In winter a popular activity is to wait till first thing in the morning and watch the accidental ice skating as the water on the floor freezes overnight.

Renata Hut

Renata huts conditions has actually improved in the five or so years since I last visited it. Previously the chimney was falling off and you could see outside through the hole. However on my last visit the hut was in reasonable if a little rustic condition. It has foam mattresses on a Maori Bunk, a decent water tank, plenty of space and a wood store with the now hard to find ax (not many huts have axes these days unfortunately). The long drop is similar to the hut, fairly tidy but also rustic and is difficult to find. Basically the track to the loo starts past the water tank and down the hill a little ways.

Sayers Hut

For those who like a more quiet existence then the hotel that is Totara Flats and who don't find getting their feet wet for some time away from the maddening crowds, Sayers Hut is virtually an oasis of peace. She's a rustic hunters hut best known for its many signs indicating where the jet boats are and you can place your vote. The only hut in the Tararuas that uses hammocks you can often get some trout or venison along with some great stories if your lucky enough to share the hut with some hunters.

Smiths Creek Shelter

The first tramping hut I ever visited and it may surprise you that I continued if you ever get to see the "bus stop". This hut suffers from being an hour or two from the road end although its built to survive a nuclear blast should this be required. A brick shelter (not officially a hut) can give a comfortable if exposed night to the desperate but most people will camp down by the river.

South Ohau Hut

This is the second South Ohau Hut in this location, unfortunately the first was undercut by the river and had to be removed for saftey reasons. The location is excellent and the hut makes full use of the surroundings with its elevated position and well placed balcony. While it can be a mission getting here the hut is well worth a visit.

Totara Flats Hut

This is the third Totara Flats Hut I've tramped to however its definitely the most palacial and comfortable although its location isn't quite as good as the previous Hut out on the grassy plain to the South. You might want to get to the hut early in peak summer time as this is a busy hut. It also happens to have awesome trout fishing in the river for both rainbow and brown trout. I recommend a stroll upstream if your keen on some fish for dinner although anywhere is pretty good. Totara Creek can be frustrating during the closed season in winter as the spawning trout literally flood Totara Creek, remember no matter how tempted you are these are next open seasons catch so hands off.

Tutuwai Hut

A welcome sight after a hard slog up from Kaitoki although a hut that can also be missed if your casually wandering up the river terraces. The but itself is quite a distance from the river around ten meters up the bank. The hut itself is fairly basic but big. Rumours persist that its haunted although I've never seen anything myself its a legendary hut for heavy boot steps on the floor without anyone to make them. At night with a candle flickering and some noise outside (probably from possums but who knows) you may want company when you visit the long drop.