McKinnon Hut
McKinnon Hut is a standard DOC six-bunk backcountry hut in Ruahine Forest Park (Manawatu/Whanganui region). It’s set up for multi-day walking trips, with water provided from a tank, sleeping for up to six people, and a woodstove for heating.
Sleeping is first come, first served—no bookings are required—but you need a Standard Hut Ticket for each night (or a Backcountry Hut Pass covering most Standard and Serviced huts for a 12-month period). Fees are listed as $10 per night for adults (18+), $5 per night for youth (5–17), and free for children/infants (0–4), with rates changing from 1 July 2026. Access is by walking up the Kawhatau River from the Rangitane road bridge across the Kawhatau River; this route may not be accessible during times of high river flow.