Otehake Hut

Otehake Hut is a Department of Conservation six-bunk backcountry hut on a small bush-covered flat just above the meeting of the East and West Otehake branches. It’s a goal for a remote overnight traverse, not a quick walk from the road. If you want an easy hut night, choose somewhere else; this one suits experienced trampers who want to get well into the backcountry.

DOC rates the Edwards–Otehake route Expert and allows two to three days overall. From Edwards Hut, the approach to Otehake takes about five to six hours, crossing the river repeatedly, going over Taruahuna Pass, then dropping through rocky terraces and bush. Continuing downstream toward Lake Kaurapataka is another seven to nine hours to the lake-track junction over steep, slow, partly unmarked ground, with no hut or shelter beyond Otehake. River crossings can become unsafe after rain, and winter travel brings avalanche hazards. DOC says this route is for well-equipped, experienced trampers who can judge river and weather conditions.

Bunks are first come, first served, with no booking; bring hut tickets or a Backcountry Hut Pass. The hut has mattresses, heating, an open fire and a pit toilet. Water is from a nearby natural source, so plan to treat it rather than count on a tap.

The present hut was built by the New Zealand Forest Service in 1963 as a six-bunk S70 design, replacing an older hut nearby. Permolat volunteers extensively renovated it in 2017–18. It sits at a natural junction in the valley, where the two Otehake branches meet before the river continues through the gorge.