Child friendly rating: 5 stars

Distance: 3km

Signposted time: 1-1.5 hours

Bookings Required? Yes

Suitable in Winter? Yes

Camping Available? No

4wd required? No

Parking:

Park at the main Pukeiti carpark.

The Track:

The track is 4wd width and relatively flat, though it can get muddy and slippery in sections. It is easily wide enough to hold a childs hand, and easy enough that a capable 2 year old could walk the whole way if they were having a good day.

Follow the Matthews Track till you link up to the Ireland walk which takes you over a swingbridge.

From the swingbridge you head up a little to a junction at which you join onto the Te Iringa Track. Follow this till you reach another junction where you link onto Kaitake Track.

Hut:

The hut is modern, and almost a 'treehouse' being built above the level of the trees. Bookings are managed by the Taranaki Regional Council, and the hut must be booked for exclusive use only. This means that weekends and holidays book out very early.

The hut has 12 beds, platform style in groups of 3. Solar lighting and firewood provided.

Recommendations:

A great first hut adventure for anyone! The hut is super accessible which makes it perfect for all ages and abilities. Because you book per group, it's a good one to get a few families together as you pay the same regardless of whether it's one person or 12.