TTC Kime Hut

Old Kime Hut, (20 bunks), was built in 1978, to replace the Kime Memorial Hut, built 1930 by Joe Gibbs for the TTC as a memorial to Esmond James Kime. It was a club-owned public hut in the Tararua Forest Park, and provided shelter and a ski hut, on the tops of the Southern Crossing, below Field Peak.

The front of Kime Hut, August 2003

It could sleep 20-30 comfortably, but forty adult sized bodies (at a squeeze). When inside the hut, one looked for the hidden loft, great fun trying to climb up there! (ahem...dodgy...)

Kime Hut near Mt Hector

Work began on a replacement for Old Kime Hut, on a site just to the south. In 2014 Kime III was completed and signed off, after the hut failed a council "code compliance" because the window flashings did not follow the specifications. Having no stove, it is still somewhat cold and damp. Nevertheless it's layout, window configuration, insulation, and greater size make it a great improvement over Old Kime Hut.

Kime III, April 2014

Esmond James Kime is buried at Karori Cemetery. See Papers Past:

• Lost on the Ranges. Otaki Mail, 14 June 1922
• STILL MISSING. EVENING POST, VOLUME CIII, ISSUE 139, 15 JUNE 1922
• Lost on the ranges. Otaki Mail, 16 June 1922
• SHELTERING UNDER ROCK. EVENING POST, VOLUME CIII, ISSUE 140, 16 JUNE 1922
• Tragic Ending. EVENING POST, VOLUME CIII, ISSUE 141, 17 JUNE 1922

Kime Hut

Kime Hut is a Standard hut, located at -40.943, 175.272. There are 20 bunks with 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.

Kime Hut alert

Predator control for Southern Tararuas

DOC and OSPRI distributed toxic cereal bait pellets by helicopter in this area on 11 and 23 March 2026. Taraua Forest Park will remain open.

A caution period is in place for approximately 8 months. Visitors are advised not to take dogs into the area until the caution period has ended. 1080 is deadly to dogs. How to keep dogs safe around 1080.

• View the distribution map (PDF, 2749K). 
• View the pesticide summary map

First published on 3 March 2026. Last reviewed on 21 May 2026.

DOC and OSPRI distributed toxic cereal bait pellets by helicopter in this area on 11 and 23 March 2026. Taraua Forest Park will remain open.

A caution period is in place for approximately 8 months. Visitors are advised not to take dogs into the area until the caution period has ended. 1080 is deadly to dogs. How to keep dogs safe around 1080.

• View the distribution map (PDF, 2749K). 
• View the pesticide summary map

First published on 3 March 2026. Last reviewed on 21 May 2026.

Access across Waiotauru Bridge is restricted

From Thursday 27 May to Wednesday 3 June maintenance work will be underway during the day on the bridge. Expect delays and allow extra time.

First published on 12 May 2026.

From Thursday 27 May to Wednesday 3 June maintenance work will be underway during the day on the bridge. Expect delays and allow extra time.

First published on 12 May 2026.