Waiaua Gorge Hut
Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki • Taranaki
Alerts
Avalanche NZ
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NIWA weather risks
NIWA's Parks Weather site lists daily weather risks for the forecast point below.
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Forecast point: Summit Taranaki Maunga (2518m) · 6.1km away
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
- About
- This hut is a hidden gem in the wilderness of the western side of Taranaki Maunga. Bring your family for a day tramp or stay overnight to experience the park at night.
- Facilities
- Heating
- Mattresses
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Water supply
About this hut
Facilities
- Bunks – mattresses provided
- Containment tank toilet a short walk from the hut
- Cold running water from a rainwater tank
- Fireplace with wood supplied
Fees and bookings
Fees
1 May - 30 September
- Adult (18+ years): $25 per night
- Child/youth (5–17 years): $12.50 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
1 October - 30 April
Weekdays:
- Adult (18+ years): $28 per night
- Child/youth (5–17 years): $14 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Weekends:
- Adult (18+ years): $32 per night
- Child/youth (5–17 years): $16 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
1 December - 29 February
Weekdays:
- Adult (18+ years): $29 per night
- Child/youth (5–17 years): $14.50 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Weekends:
- Adult (18+ years): $34 per night
- Youth (5–17 years): $17 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2027.
- If no availability shows online for your dates, the hut is fully booked.
- No spaces are kept for visitors arriving without a booking.
- Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
- Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.
Getting there
There are two ways to get to Waiaua Gorge Hut:
- It can be reach from the Around the Mountain Circuit.
- From Ihaia Road on the Ihaia Track: this is 5.9 km from Ihaia Road and takes around 2 hr 30 min to 3 hr 30 min one way to the hut. Due to a washout, the track takes a new route. Around 500 m before the Oaonui Track junction, there is a short track into the Waiaua River. Walk up the riverbed to reach the small spur to Waiaua Gorge Hut.
Caution is required when walking up the Waiaua River riverbed due to loose debris. Allow up to an extra hour to your travel time. This track can be very boggy/muddy at times, particularly after heavy rainfall.
Tracks to this hut
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BJ29
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1686336, N5646548
Know before you go
Caution is required when walking up the Waiaua River riverbed due to loose debris.
This riverbed can be inaccessible when in flood.
Nearby
Weather
Forecast at the hut