Daphne Hut
Daphne Hut is a 12-bunk backcountry hut run by the Department of Conservation, set in Ruahine Forest Park in the Hawke’s Bay region on a river terrace about 50 m from the Tukituki River. It’s a standard hut where bookings aren’t required; stays are first come, first served, with a hut ticket purchased in an honesty box for each night.
The hut has beds (mattresses) and a fireplace, with toilets provided as a pit latrine. Fees are charged (adult $10 per night; youth $5 per night; children/infant 0–4 free) and a Standard Hut Ticket is required for each night; an alternative Backcountry Hut Pass is also offered for unlimited use at many standard and serviced huts over a 12-month period. Built by the Takapau Lions Club in 1986 with support from the Department of Conservation, the hut is reached via Mill Road (8 km via Tukituki River; not recommended when river levels are high) or via Kashmir Road (2–3 hr approach via Daphne Hut Track), with advanced route access described on the official hut page.