Alpha Hut

About this hut

This hut is managed by the Greater Wellington Backcountry Network.

Alpha Hut is located at a height of 1116 m, just below the bushline in the eastern Tararua Forest Park. It is one of the traditional overnight shelters for the classic Southern Crossing.

History

The original hut was built around Easter 1915, with materials taken in by pack horse. It was extended in 1938. In 1951, work to rebuild Alpha Hut begun. All materials were dropped on site using a Miles M.57 Aerovan (a British twin-engine high wing monoplane). The original Alpha Hut was demolished in 1952, with the new hut officially opened in 1953. It remained in use until September 1982, when it burnt down. The current Alpha Hut was built by the New Zealand Forest Service in 1983, and extended in March 1996.

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.

Trails

Alpha Hut can be accessed on the trails Tararua Traverse, Renata Ridge - Kaitoke, Tararua Southern Crossing and Neill Winchcombe loop from our trail directory.