Barlow Hut

Built in 1983, Barlow Hut was one of the most recent huts to be constructed by the Forest Service in the Ruahine Forest Park. It was named after the Barlow family, who were early settlers in the area.

The hut offers platform bunks with 8 mattresses, stream water supply and a woodburner for heating.

Fees

• Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
• Youth (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
• Child/Infant (0–4 years): free

Before you go, buy Hut Tickets for each night's stay. Put these in the honesty box at the hut. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass that gives unlimited use at most Standard and Serviced huts for a 12 month period.

Booking and paying | Backcountry Hut Tickets | Retailers that sell hut tickets and passes

Route to Barlow Hut via Makaroro River

Time: 3 hours one way
Distance: 7 km

This river route is not a DOC managed track or route. Do not expect DOC markers or track formation.

Barlow Hut can be accessed from the Wakarara Road-end, which is approximately 75 km from Napier. Turn onto Wakarara Road from SH50 and follow for approximately 26.5 km to the end of Wakarara Road. Continue along the road past the Parks Peak Station sign to the carpark, indicated by DOC signs. Park to the left of the road at the indicated area, before the gate. Please park well off the road and be mindful of farming operations that are being carried out.

From the carpark, follow a poled route (marked with orange track markers) for approximately 500 m along the fence line and through a paddock down to the river. Head upstream past the Gold Creek junction and the Colenso Spur Track. Barlow Hut is a further 30 minutes upstream on the true right.

It’s dangerous to cross or follow the river when the water level is high which can occur during or after heavy rain. How to cross rivers safely.

Tracks to this hut

• Barlow Hut and Upper Makaroro Hut Route

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: BK36
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1875297, N5598938

There is no vehicle access to the Ruahine Forest Park from the Wakarara Roadend. You will need to cross the Makaroro River; expect wet feet.