Last Updated: 27th Jul 2026

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Downes Hut

This is a serviced five-bunk, boat-in only hut in the Whanganui region. Camping is not allowed in this area.

Manawatu - Wanganui, New Zealand

Hut DOC Whanganui National Park

Last Updated: 27th Jul 2026

I've been there Been there

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Yes

20m

-39.72642, 175.13159

BK33
E1782660, N5600502

Downes Hut

Hut Map

Facilities

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

Fees and bookings

Fees

Backcountry Hut Passes are valid for use in this hut from 1 May to 30 September. Passes won't be accepted from 1 October to 30 April.

1 May - 30 September

  • Adult (18+ years): $25 per night
  • Child/youth (5–17 years): $12.50 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

1 October - 30 April

Weekdays:

  • Adult (18+ years): $28 per night
  • Child/youth (5–17 years): $14 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

Weekends:

  • Adult (18+ years): $32 per night
  • Child/youth (5–17 years): $16 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

1 December - 29 February

Weekdays:

  • Adult (18+ years): $29 per night
  • Child/youth (5–17 years): $14.50 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

Weekends:

  • Adult (18+ years): $34 per night
  • Child/youth (5–17 years): $17 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

Te Araroa – The Trail Pass

Te Araroa Trail walkers should register and purchase the .

Bookings

Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2027.

  • If no availability shows online for your dates, the hut is fully booked.
  • No spaces are kept for visitors arriving without a booking.
  • Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
  • Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.

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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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