Forks Hut
Forks Hut is a Department of Conservation standard six-bunk hut in Ruahine Forest Park (Manawatu/Whanganui region) for backcountry overnight stays. The hut is first come, first served for up to six people and is supported by the Manawatu Branch of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association.
It has a woodstove for heating, mattresses provided, and toilet facilities with a pit latrine. Water comes from a river; there’s no drinking water supply, so plan to filter or treat.
Use a hut ticket: no standard bookings are required, but you must buy a Standard Hut Ticket for each night and put it in the honesty box at the hut (or use a Backcountry Hut Pass with unlimited use at most Standard and Serviced huts for 12 months). Fees are listed for adults, youth, and children, with rates changing from 1 July 2026. Access across the farm is at the landowner’s discretion, by prior arrangement only; there’s also a steep track section between Forks and Te Ekaou Huts that calls for caution.