WikiCamps New Zealand

Downes Hut (Boat Only)

Campground

Contact

Whanganui River, North Island.

whanganui@doc.govt.nz

doc.govt.nz/search-results/?query=Downes+Hut

Description

This is a serviced five-bunk hut located in Whanganui National Park in the Whanganui region. Fees apply. Bookings not required - first come, first served. This site can be reached by canoe. Facilities include heating, mattresses, non-flush toilets and water (not-treated - boil before use). No fires are permitted at this campground. There is no cellphone coverage on the Whanganui River. Wasps are a known hazard and are particularly common from January until May. Carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings. Heavy rain and flooding can occur at any time of year on the Whanganui River and the weather can change quickly. You will need to be prepared for rain, cold and windy conditions. Dont canoe the river when water levels are predicted to rise or it is in flood - you won't be charged for staying an extra night at a campsite or hut due to high river levels. If you capsize, you may not be able to get back in, or swim to the rivers edge. Canoeing into the wind can be demanding allow extra travelling time between stopovers in windy conditions. Always pull your canoe up high on the bank and tie it to something secure. It may not be raining on the river, but rain elsewhere in the large catchment can cause the river to rise several metres overnight. Before you go, buy 1 Serviced Hut Ticket (green for adults, orange for youth) or 3 Standard Hut Tickets (blue for adults, yellow for youth) for each night's stay. Put these in the honesty box at the hut. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass for unlimited use at most Serviced and Standard huts for a 6 or 12 month period.