Mackintosh Hut
Mackintosh Hut is a backcountry hut run by the Department of Conservation in Kaweka Forest Park (Hawke’s Bay). It’s for self-reliant stays with 8 bunk beds and first-come-first-served use (no standard bookings needed); use the DOC hut ticket system by placing a Standard Hut Ticket in the honesty box at the hut for each night you stay.
The hut has a wood-burning stove (bring firewood for the next occupants) and a long-drop pit latrine. Water is available from a tank and from a stream near the hut, with untreated water sources expected—plan to treat it. The hut was built in 1959 for deer culling operations and later upgraded in 2003 and 2009. It can be reached from three southern access points: Lakes Road (2–3 hr), Lawrence Shelter / Lawrence Roadend (about 4 hr), and Makahu Saddle carpark (3–3.5 hr).