Leon Kinvig Hut
Leon Kinvig Hut is a standard eight-bunk backcountry hut in Ruahine Forest Park, run by the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. It’s used as a self-contained base for backcountry trips in the Manawatū/Whanganui region, with platform bunks and a woodburner for heating. Facilities include a water source from the river, a pit latrine, and a fireplace/woodburner setup for cooking and warmth.
Sleeping and use are simple: no standard bookings are required and stays are first come, first served for the eight bunks. To get in, you still need a Standard Hut Ticket for each night in an honesty box at the hut (adult 18+ $10/night; youth 5–17 $5/night; child/infant 0–4 free). If you plan multiple hut nights, a Backcountry Hut Pass provides unlimited use at most Standard and Serviced huts for a 12-month period.
The hut was refurbished in 2024 after it was swept off its piles during Cyclone Gabrielle, then moved about 600 m downstream. Renovations included new foundations, windows, internal wall lining, a new deck and verandah, and a new woodshed and toilet; the work was completed over trips between April 2024 and June 2025.