Waterfall Hut

About this hut

Facilities

• Water source - River
• Heating source - Open fire

History of the hut

Waterfall Hut is an historic hut with many of its original features still intact. It is a good example of the wild animal control huts built during the New Zealand Forest Service era.

Initially named Kawhatau Hut, this hut was designed to house New Zealand Forestry Service hunters and their food stores while they battled to control the 'deer menace' that was believed to be a major contributor to mountain erosion.

The hut was built in 1961 on an old Internal Affairs tent camp, with the building materials all flown in by helicopter, The builder was Forestry Service Carpenter Jan (John) Van De Lagemaat who had immigrated from The Netherlands in the 1950's. Jan also built the D.S.A (McKinnon), Makawakawa (Diggers), Hinerua, Smiths Creek (Stream) and Middle Stream Huts.

Facilities

Heating, Mattresses, Toilets - non-flush, Water from stream, 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.