Location:

The Kahikatea lodge is in Waianakarua scenic reserve between
Dunedin and Oamaru. Turn onto Mount Misery road and head
west (about 20 mins drive on a gravel road through forestry and
farmland. Car park at end of road. Last few kms best with 4wd.
Built by the North Otago Branch of the NZ deerstalkers
association. It is advertised on the DOC site but at present booked
via text to Deerstalkers (see DOC site as should change in time).

The Tramp:

Can do a large loop with older kids (head west uphill and take
ridges, part on road, part tussock and Taramea). Or, just in and
out on more formed route (1.5-2hours) through bush and
grassland, down into a valley and up to the hut on a clearing on
the ridge. The hut is visible from the car park. Follow the track that starts just behind the DoC sign – marked into and through the bush.

The Hut:

6 bunk beds plus 2 spare mattresses. New hut built to DOC
standards. Well insulated, double glazing. Solar lights and a usb
port! Composting toilet even has lighting. Log burner.
Would need to keep very small children off the deck due to drop.

Good to know:
Booking essential. May be busy at certain times for hunting. Steep
country so good footwear is key and could be slippery if lots of
rain. Small creek to cross at valley bottom. May benefit from
hiking poles if you have a heavy pack/carrying kids.

Visited by:

Iremonger family and friends. Kids age 6-11. Late January
2024