This was the first cache to be published worldwide in 2022
The lower North Island is blessed with a wealth of fantastic tramping, most notably throughout the Rimutaka, Tararua and Ruahine Ranges. I am lucky to have so much of it within easy reach as my stomping ground, and like to get up into them for some 'tree time' as often as I can, especially if there's a cache or three to be had along the way 
About Powell Hut:
Sitting proud on the slopes of Mt Holdsworth at about 1200m above sea level, this iconic hut comes with a history. The original Powell Hut was built in 1939 by the Hutt Valley Tramping Club, who rebuilt it in 1981. This burnt down in 1999, and a third hut was built in 2000. In November 2018, the hut was closed as it suffered from weather tightness problems that weakened the overall structure, and this latest hut was then built and opened in July 2019. To date it is the most popular hut in the Tararuas, accomodating over 3000 bed-nights each year.
Powell Hut is one of the overnight stays on the Powell-Jumbo Circuit, which is a popular two-night stay, three-day walk, for people wanting to have an easily accessible weekend in the outdoors. With such outstanding views over the Wairarapa on offer, the partially covered deck that stretches across the entire frontage of the hut provides more than adequate opportunity to soak up the last of the afternoon sun as you rest from your exertions to get here.
However, no one should take the trip to Powell Hut lightly. As is often the case in these ranges, the weather can change quickly and people need to be prepared for wet, cold and windy conditions with limited visibility on any day of the year, regardless of season.
If you intend to stay overnight, then be aware that bookings are essential. This is a hugely popular hut, so please don't expect to just rock up and have a bed available for you, especially during the warmer months.
Please also be aware that you will need to be of moderate fitness to attempt this tramp. It is estimated that the walk from the Holdsworth Camping area (where you parked) to Powell Hut will take 4-6 hours depending on fitness and stoppages. You will need to factor in caching time if you want to have a crack at those available on the track, and even more time if you want to get those further off the track. There's always the return leg which at least will be downhill.
Click here to make your booking and check out the latest weather warnings etc
On the way up, you can take a breather at Rocky Outlook which offers some great views both up and down the valley. If you look closely enough, you can even see Powell Hut from this vantage point!
Logging Requirements:
Seeing as this is a D1 rated cache, you only have some very simple tasks to complete;
Firstly there is some counting to do;
Q1. Outside, how many large green water storage tanks are there at the rear of the building?
Q2. Outside, how many non-flush (longdrop) toilets are provided here?
Q3. Inside, how many sinks are provided for washing up?
Q4. Inside, how many dorm rooms (for sleeping) are there?
Secondly, you'll need to take a photograph;
At the posted co-ords there is a sign that simply says "Powell Hut". I'd like you to take a photo of your caching name on a bit of paper/card or other medium (no, a photo of your GPSr will not suffice). If you are happy to do so, you may substitute this with a photo of yourself (face optional) so long as I can verify it's you. See Gallery photo of myself as an example.
Optional Extra (not a logging requirement);
Obviously the reason I have brought you here is for the stunning views. Please feel free to add any photos of the vista to your log. I hope you get as beautiful a view as I did when I was last here 
Virtual Rewards 2.0 - 2019/2020
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between June 4, 2019 and June 4, 2020. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 2.0 on the Geocaching Blog.
My personal thanks goes to Blenheim Bear, who very kindly offered up this Virtual to me to be able to use.