Field Hut

Field Hut, (20 bunks), was comissioned and built 1924 by woodsman Joe Gibbs for the Tararua Tramping Club. It was the first hut the club built, followed later by Kime Hut, Tauwharenīkau Hut, and Cone Hut. It is a club owned public hut in the Tararua Forest Park, located near the bush edge, on the Southern Crossing track, above Ōtaki Forks.

Field Hut has a historic designation, and has the distinction of being the oldest tramping hut in the Tararua Forest Park, and the oldest remaining hut specifically built for tramping. There is a display of historic photos of the hut in the hut.

In 2004 the Field Hut 80^th was celebrated. In 2024 the Centenary is to be celebrated.

Field Hut is a Standard hut, located at -40.908, 175.256. There are 20 bunks with heating, mattresses, toilets - non-flush, water from tap - not treated, boil before use, and water supply. Bookings are not required, usage is first come, first served.

Field Hut alert

Predator control for Southern Tararuas

To control possums and prevent the spread of bovine TB, we distributed non-toxic cereal bait pellets by helicopter on 4 and 5 March 2026.

We plan to distribute toxic bait pellets containing 1080 by helicopter to some areas on 11 March with further distribution the following week, depending on the weather. View the distribution map (PDF, 2749K).

The area will remain open. Warning signs will be placed at all main access points to the operational area. View a factsheet and map (PDF, 4,380K)

DOC will distribute toxic bait containing 1080 within a month of applying the non-toxic bait.

This operation is part of OSPRI's TBfree programme.

First published on 3 March 2026. Last reviewed on 10 March 2026.