Kime Hut

Kime Hut is located in the western Tararua Forest Park, below Hut Mound (1440m). It is part of the popular Southern Crossing, offering an alpine refuge.

This hut sits above the bushline – there is no heating so it can get very cold.

Heritage

The first Kime Hut was opened in June 1930. It was named after E. J. Kime, who died on the Southern Crossing in 1922. During the 1930s, it was a popular skiing base. In 1978, the Tararua Tramping Club (with assistance from the New Zealand Forest Service) replaced the original hut. The current hut was built and opened in 2014.

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

Kime Hut is best accessed via Otaki Forks.

Ōtaki Forks is 19 km inland from Ōtaki township – approximately 1 hr 30 min drive from Wellington or Palmerston North. The easiest turnoff from SH1 is at Ōtaki Gorge Road, just south of the SH1 bridge over the Ōtaki River.

Approximate times from nearest huts

• Otaki Gorge Road end: 5–6 hr
• Field Hut: 2–3 hr
• Alpha Hut: 3–4 hr
• Maungahuka Hut: 7-9 hr

Tracks to this hut

• Tararua Southern Crossing

• Tararua Peaks/Main Range Circuit

Location

NZTopo50 map sheet: BP33
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1791234, N5465106

Weather forecast

Kime Hut weather forecast – NIWA website