Maketawa Hut
Maketawa Hut is a Department of Conservation backcountry hut in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, in the Taranaki region. It’s aimed at experienced trampers and set around 1000 m in native bush, with views toward north-east Taranaki and a glimpse of Taranaki Maunga behind the hut. The hut has 16 bunk beds (platform/shared bunks) with mattresses, cold running water from a rain collection tank, and a fireplace where wood is supplied. A containment toilet (pit latrine) is a short walk from the hut.
Bookings aren’t required; stays are first come, first served. DOC’s hut ticket system applies: you buy a Serviced Hut Ticket (or a Serviced Youth Hut Ticket) for each night and put it in the honesty box at the hut, or use a Backcountry Hut Pass for unlimited use at most Serviced and Standard huts for a 12-month period. Fees are $25 per night for adults (18+), $12.50 per night for children/youth (5–17), and free for infants (0–4). Before you go, pack a sleeping bag, a cooking stove plus pots/pans and utensils, toilet paper, a rubbish bag, and your own matches/firelighters and a torch.