Waitawheta Hut
Waitawheta Hut is a serviced backcountry hut in Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park (Bay of Plenty), run by the Department of Conservation. It provides 26 bunk beds in two bunkrooms, plus a separate dining/lounge area and a deck outside; the hut’s grassy surrounds also offer campsite space for up to 10 two-person tents, with bookings required for both hut and campsite stays. A hut warden is present most weekends during the summer season.
The kitchen setup is limited: cooking facilities are not provided, so bring your own stove and utensils. The hut has a fireplace, plus toilet facilities using a pit latrine, and the drinking water is untreated. Hut and campsite rules include not clearing undergrowth or scrub to make extra tent/bivouac sites (and reporting it if you see it), carrying all rubbish out, and no pets (including dogs); dogs are also restricted in the conservation park except for permitted hunters with hunting dogs. Fees apply (through 30 June 2026: $25 per night for adults Sunday–Friday; $30 per night on Saturdays), and backcountry hut passes can be used; bookings are open up to 30 June 2027, with online bookings required and no spaces kept for walk-ins if the hut shows fully booked for your dates.