Alpha Hut
Alpha Hut is a Department of Conservation backcountry hut in Tararua Forest Park, Wairarapa, used as one of the overnight shelters for the classic Southern Crossing. The hut has 20 bunks and runs on a first-come, first-served basis with no standard bookings required; for an overnight stay you buy a Standard Hut Ticket for each night and place it in the honesty box at the hut (a Backcountry Hut Pass can cover unlimited use at most Standard and Serviced huts for a 12-month period). It sits at about 1,116 m just below the bushline in the eastern Tararua Forest Park.
Inside, there are mattresses and a fireplace, plus toilets with pit-latrine disposal. It’s supplied with untreated drinking water, so plan on treating water before use. Access from the carpark on Kiwi Ranch Road (off Marchant Road in Upper Hutt) involves a track climb through stunted silver beech along Marchant Ridge, over Omega, and through the saddle of Hell’s Gate to reach Alpha Hut; typical times from Marchant Road end are 7–9 hours, and the hut is also reached from Elder Hut (3–4 hours) and Cone Hut (~3 hours).