Upper Makaroro Hut
Upper Makaroro Hut is a Department of Conservation backcountry hut in Ruahine Forest Park (Hawke’s Bay). It’s a standard four-bunk hut built in 1956, originally part of an effort for deer control in the park. Use is first come, first served—no standard bookings are required.
Facilities include river water and a woodburner for heating. The hut has mattresses and a pit latrine toilet/disposal system. Access is from Makaroro Road, Wakarara Road, or Mangleton Road; typical approaches range from about 4–5 hours (Wakarara Road via Parks Peak Hut, then a steep descent) to about 5–7 hours from Makaroro car park (following the Makaroro River upstream to the hut). Use the hut ticket/pass system: you’ll need a Standard Hut Ticket for each night (or a Backcountry Hut Pass) and place the ticket in the honesty box at the hut.