Jans Hut
Jans Hut is a serviced backcountry hut in Remutaka Forest Park, in the Wellington/Kapiti region. It sits in Catchpool Valley and Ōrongorongo Valley on the east side of the Ōrongorongo River, and it’s accessed by crossing the river; wet feet are part of the trip. The hut is locked and is set up for sole occupancy under your booking (access is via an access code from your confirmation).
Jans Hut has nine bunk beds, with gas cooking hob, cooking utensils and crockery, cold tap water, and wood heating with a wet back for hot showering. A flush toilet is provided. You’ll want candles or a torch for lighting, plus matches or a lighter; toilet paper is provided. Firewood and a water tank are onsite. Backcountry Hut Passes and Backcountry Hut Tickets can’t be used at this hut.
To reach the hut, use the Ōrongorongo Track: Turere Bridge (the end of the Ōrongorongo Track) to Jans Hut is about 2 hours 30 minutes on foot (15 minutes from Turere Bridge to the Browns Stream crossing). From Turere Bridge, cross the Ōrongorongo River to Browns Stream; a large orange triangle marks the start of the track about 100 m up Browns Stream (opposite Waerenga Hut). The track then winds through the bush with orange triangle markers and includes a short undulating climb before arriving at Jans Hut.
River conditions drive the safety call—check the Ōrongorongo River flow before crossing. If it’s flooded, rising, or rain is forecast, don’t attempt the crossing; if you need to cancel for river-safety reasons, you’ll be eligible for a refund. Fire use is subject to current fire restrictions in Remutaka Forest Park; check the fire status before you light anything.