Spion Kop Hut (Makaretu Hut)Park: Tararua Forest ParkManawatū-Whanganui3/5Total ratings 10Category: Private HutBunks: 4Spion Kop Hut (Makaretu Hut) is located in Tararua Forest Park in the region of Manawatū-Whanganui. It has 4 bunks and the category of Private Hut.As per WAMS, there is no legal access exists in the Makaretu Stream bed for 1.5km from the bridge over Poads Rd to the park boundary. The bed of Makaretu Stream is private land. Please contact 'Tortoise' (as per their comment below, dated 3/10/22) for contact details to seek permission to cross privately-owned land, in order to access 'Spion Kop Hut' this way. From the un-named Makaretu Stream junction, 630m NE of pt. 280, follow an old overgrown farmers track heading up the true left (west) Makaretu ridge, where faint markers can be found leading through the native bush. The hut is very tidy & well equipped hut.Location:

Type	Location
New Zealand Topo50 Ref	BN33 982 940
Latitude Longitude	-40.681488 175.345215
NZTM Grid Reference	E1798191 N5493954

Elevation: 247Amenities: Heating, Mattresses, Cellphone Reception, Toilets, Closed Fire, Wood StoveWater Source: Roof into tank

Photos

Comments

WaruWaea

16/11/2025

A simple hut but not without charms, looks to be fairly well used and cared for.

Cerrius

09/09/2025

Nice and dry, very tidy inside and well stocked. Bushbashed down from Waiopehu track. Bit of a follow your nose climb/mission up from the stream to the hut from there. Lots of supplejack. Easier access towards park boundary and up the ridge past pt. 280. Bushbashed back across to the first “r” in Te Araroa Trail

JamNZ

04/10/2022

The first km or so of the stream runs through private land, there is no queens chain here so make sure you ask permission before planning a trip. Flick me a message if you would like a contact number.

JamNZ

27/09/2022

Interesting hut. followed the stream then bush bashed to 280. Battled the supplejack (lost my tripod, please let me know if u find it) but once up the top a faint foot track leads to the hut. Had lunch then went straight down to the stream and followed that out. There is a section of stream that is almost completely obscured by mass tree fall which required a bit of clambering over.

Thomas (e)

04/11/2020

Hut is lower than 295 point, around 270. Bashing up from the river passes through supplejack city, be warned lol. There is a faint track about 100m off the river which travels 80% of the route. As of today roof feed rainwater tanks badly need a clean, advise taking water with if fussy or take note of any nearby water sources. Potbelly stove is also in very poor shape and due replacement.

Carol60

18/04/2020

Access via the ridge is on private land. Another way to the hut is tramp up the Makaretu river about 3km. Get to below point 295 and bush bash straight up. There are faint markers, but not many. The hut is nestled near point 295.

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