Last Updated: 27th Jul 2026

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Venison Tops Hut (Tira Lodge)

The single expanse of alpine tops where Tira Lodge is located provides panoramic views of the Kaweka Forest Park and beyond to the Kaimanawa Forest Park and Tongariro National Park.

Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Hut DOC Kaweka Forest Park

Last Updated: 27th Jul 2026

I've been there Been there

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No

1,300m

-39.24679, 176.32076

BJ37
E1886660, N5650529

Venison Tops Hut (Tira Lodge)

Hut Map

About this hut

  • 12 bunks with mattresses in two rooms (separate from the main entry/cooking area)
  • Wood/coal stove suitable for cooking
  • Rainwater supply from tank
  • Meat safe
  • Long drop style toilet
  • Dog kennel ()

The single expanse of alpine tops where Tira Lodge is located provides panoramic views of the Kaweka Forest Park and beyond to the Kaimanawa Forest Park and Tongariro National Park. 

Tira Lodge is located in the central Kawekas in the area locally known as Venison Tops.

Built in 1969 this hut is of larger construction to the standard huts common throughout the park. The hut is located at the northern edge of the open sub-alpine adjoining the mountain beech forest. Due to its altitude (1430 metres) the area experiences a wide range of climatic conditions which can include brief snowfalls during cold southerly weather and strong north westerly winds.

Facilities

Heating, Mattresses, Toilets - non-flush, Water from tap - not treated, boil before use, Water supply

Fees and bookings

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
  • Youth (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
  • Child/Infant (0–4 years): free

Before you go, buy Hut Tickets for each night's stay. Put these in the honesty box at the hut. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass that gives unlimited use at most Standard and Serviced huts for a 12 month period.

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This page includes information sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC) and is reused under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence (CC BY 4.0). Only the original DOC content is covered by this licence. Content, images and features created by Wild Things are not. See DOC’s copyright notice for their full licence terms.

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