Waihohonu Hut
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What people say
Sonia Barrish
"Child friendly rating: 5 stars
Distance: 5.6km
Signposted time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Bookings Required? In season
Suitable in Winter? Yes - caution required
Camping Available? Yes - at bookable campground
4wd required? No
Parking:
The easiest way to get to the hut is by parking at the Waihōhonu Track Carpark right off Desert Road (SH1)
The Track:
The track is almost entirely flat, which makes for an easy walk. It's a great first hut to visit with a luxury hut at the end.
There are no river crossings making this track safe after heavy rain, however the track can get very muddy, so you may prefer not to visit while the soil is wet. Make sure you've got waterproof tops and bottoms after rain for younger kids incase they slip on the mud.
The track varies between 4wd track, and nice wide track. It's wide enough pretty much the whole way to walk holding little kids hands. There are stunning views of the mountains around.
As a solo adult with a 9 month old and a just turned 5 year old, it took us just under 3 hours to get to the hut at a relaxed pace with plenty of breaks.
Hut:
Being on a Great Walk, the hut can book out very fast, and be very busy. You may prefer to visit out of season (May - late October). With 28 beds, there's plenty of space.
If you were worried about getting a bed (Eg. on a weekend during school holidays), taking sleeping mats will be enough - no need for a tent - there's plenty of floor space in the hut to sleep on.
The beds are platform bunks too making it easier to squeeze more people in.
There is cellphone reception at the helipad if needed and you can't get any at the hut.
Recommendations:
This is a fantastic first hut for all ages! I'd recommend visiting off-season, however be aware of the weather forecast, especially when snow is due. The walk is long enough that deep snow will make the walk quite unpleasant slow-going. You may also get very cold very quickly as you will need a few breaks on the walk. "
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Bailey Selland
" Epic views of the mountains from the hut. 6km walk from Desert Road and quite flat."
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About Waihohonu Hut
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