Townsend Hut

Townsend Hut is a basic four-bunk Department of Conservation hut at about 1,140 m above the upper Taramakau. It is a backcountry overnight stop for trampers, not a walk from the highway. The bunks are free and first come, first served, with no booking, so have a backup plan if all four are occupied.

From Aikens Corner on SH73, DOC estimates 4–5 hours one way; another route guide advises 6–7 hours for a fit party. Plan around the longer estimate. The climb is steep and includes several river crossings and both marked and unmarked sections. River levels can make the fords dangerous, and mobile coverage is often poor; check conditions and carry a PLB or radio.

The hut has four bunks and mattresses. A small roof-fed tank is described, with tarns nearby, but the water is not confirmed as potable; plan to treat it as unverified. A separate thunderbox toilet is reported about 30 m northwest of the hut. No food service is documented, so carry provisions for the trip.

The hut sits near the scrubline on an old fault scarp, with open tussock and small tarns close by. From the scarp lip, the upper Taramakau runs away below. The hut follows an NZFS S81 four-bunk design from the early 1960s; sources differ on whether it was built in 1962 or 1963. Chamois are regularly seen on the surrounding open tops, and kiwi are often heard near the hut.