Historic Field Hut
Field Hut was one of the first purpose built tramping huts in
the country and is the oldest surviving recreational hut in the
Tararua Ranges. People have been visiting the Tararua Forest Park
for a long time and the huts they built and used are an important
link to the Park’s history.
Field Hut was built in 1924 by New Zealand’s first
tramping club, the Tararua Tramping Club, to accommodate the
increasing popularity of the Southern Crossing between Otaki and
Kaitoke.
The hut foundations and framing were built with pit-sawn timber
from trees felled nearby, and the rest of the materials were hauled
in by packhorse.
Over the years much of the original materials have been
replaced, but the hut remains an important recreational and
historic attraction. Retaining its original character and form,
people continue to enjoy staying in this excellent example of an
early tramping hut.
The hut also has sentimental value to generations of trampers
and hunters who had their first experience of the rigours of the
Southern Crossing while shivering in the mist-shrouded Field
Hut.
Follow in the footsteps of those before you and make your
Tararua tramping experience complete by spending a night at Field
Hut.
NOTE: it is a Tramping Track and the board
states the following: Mostly unformed may be rough or steep.
Suitable for people with moderate to high backcountry skills and
experience, including nagivation and survival. Tramping boots or
good sturdy footwear required. It states 3-4 hours one way on the
board at the beginning of Field Track. It took 2.75 hours to do the
one way and that was up hill all the way with some flat
plains.
Safety
Tararua Forest Park is renowned for its
changeable weather and because much of the terrain is rugged,
trampers and walkers must travel prepared. Food and warm waterproof
clothing should be carried, even on short walks. Overnight parties
should always include experienced trampers.
Dogs must be kept under control. NOTE
NOTE NOTE that 1080 signs are up at the time of placement.
So keep this in mind if you are taking your dog; check to see if a
drop has been done before you take your dog in.
Back country hut tickets, purchased in
advance, are required for the overnight use of huts in the
park.
First to find prize inside cache.