Middle Hill Hut

Map Reference: NZMS 260 Series U20 Grid Ref.058140         

Middle Hill Hut

     Middle Hill hut is located on the eastern side of the main Kaweka ranges. It is located on top of a ridge where manuka scrub meets the beech forest. It can be accessed via Makahu rd from Napier or Hastings following Pukititri rd which turns onto Pakaututu rd and then onto Makahu rd. A marked track climbs for 2 hours and then follows an undulating route up an undulating ridge through manuka scrub for a further 30 – 45 minutes (5 km). This takes approximatly 2.5 – 3 hours. It can also be accessed via Kaweka road and parking in the Makahu saddle carpark. Follow Pukititiri rd onto Whittle rd which then turns into Kaweka rd, follow this untill you reach theMakahu road carpark. From this direction it takes approx 3 hours to reach the hut. 

     The hut itself is a charming little  hut with great character. It sleeps 6 people, has a tank for water supply, a meatsafe and a toilet. It has an open fire which is great for ambiance and so few backcountry huts still have and there is always a plentiful supply of wood available.  Recently a veranda has been added (as per photo’s).It’s a great area with good hunting terrain all around. Bush hunting with beech and beech/scrub fringes are available and open tops are only around an hours walk away. The walk is a bit tought for the first 40 mins but settles down to an easy pace once the top of the ridge is reached. Overall a beautiful area and a charming hut!