TTC Field Hut

Field Hut in 1930

Field Hut in its old colours

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.

• Department of Conservation information on Field Hut

Field Hut near the bush line on the track above Otaki Forks

2012

Field Hut

Field Hut is a Standard hut, located at -40.907847, 175.256212. It has 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

Ōtaki Gorge Road closed to vehicles and pedestrians

Ōtaki Gorge Road is closed to vehicles and pedestrians due to a major slip. Camping is available at Boielles Campsite but for foot access only.

There is an emergency track that you can walk to gain access to Ōtaki Forks. It is 5 km long and can be accessed 200 m past the locked gate on the Ōtaki Gorge Road.

• Ōtaki Gorge emergency track
• Map of the emergency track (PDF, 2,290K).

This is a long term alert.

First published on 20 December 2022. Last reviewed on 2 October 2024.