Waitewaewae Hut
Waitewaewae Hut is a Department of Conservation backcountry hut in Tararua Forest Park, in the Ōtaki Forks area (Kapiti/Wellington region). The current hut (built 1991 on the banks of the Otaki River) provides sleeping for 16 in standard bunks and uses a first-come, first-served system—no bookings are required, but you’ll need a hut ticket or pass for your nights’ use (place a Standard Hut Ticket in the honesty box if you’re staying).
The hut is managed by the Greater Wellington Backcountry Network. It’s equipped with mattresses, a kitchen area, and a fireplace; drinking water is available but is untreated, and there are toilets with pit latrine disposal. Waitewaewae Hut is best accessed from the western side of Tararua Forest Park via the Otaki Forks entrance; from the nearest road/hub, Otaki Forks, allow roughly 6 hours on approach (and connections to huts like Anderson Memorial Hut and Nichols Hut are typically in the 4–7 day Te Araroa-scale planning range for advanced, expert travel).