Pouākai Hut

About this hut

The newly built Pouākai Hut opened August 2025. From the dining room and front deck the hut offers stunning views out to the North Taranaki coastline.

An outdoor deck and toilets are available for day visitors. Note: Toilet paper is not provided, take your own. 

A short walk takes you to views of Taranaki Maunga and the popular Pouākai Tarns reflective pools. An hour's tramp will take you down into the mighty Ahukawakawa with its unique flora and fauna.

Facilities and services

• There are 34 bunks in 4 rooms with mattresses supplied: 
  • Room 1 - 9 bunks
  • Room 2 - 9 bunks
  • Room 3 - 7 bunks
  • Room 4 - 9 bunks
• Cold running water from a rainwater tank
• Heating from a wood burner. Wood is supplied
• Containment tank toilet a short walk from the hut
• Kitchen benches
• Fireplace
• Dining areas

Facilities

Heating, Mattresses, Lighting, Toilets, Water from tap - not treated, boil before use.

Fees and bookings

Fees

1 May - 30 September

• Adult (18+ years): $30 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $15 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

1 October - 30 April

Weekdays:

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

Weekends:

• Adult (18+ years): $36 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $18 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

1 December - 29 February

Weekdays:

• Adult (18+ years): $38 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $19 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

Weekends:

• Adult (18+ years): $40 per night
• Child/youth (5–17 years): $20 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

Backcountry Hut Passes can be used at this hut. 

Camping

There is no camping around Pouakai Hut or near the Pouakai Tarns. The helipad must be kept clear in case of emergency. The closest camping site is at .

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.

Bookings are required all year.

Choose your bunk room when making your booking. Select your specific bunk bed on arrival.

Trails

Pouākai Hut can be accessed on the trails Pouakai Hut and Tarns , Pouakai Summit, Mangorei to North Egmont and Pouakai Crossing from our trail directory.