Mangaehuehu Hut. Photo NC.

Located in a large clearing on a fairly level area, Mangaehuehu Hut enjoys sweeping views over the plains south of Ruapehu. Most of the forest within the park south of the hut is part of the Rangataua Forest Conservation Area. Remarkable in this area is the gradual transition from mountain beech forest at higher altitudes to red and silver beech forest, down to a mixture of beech and podocarp forest at the lower altitudes. The dominance of mountain beech elsewhere is somewhat of a mystery, perhaps related to impeded drainage. Access into this area is from the south (SH 49).

Typical times from Mangaehuehu Hut are:

• to Blyth Hut 2 hours
• to Mangaturuturu Hut 5 1/2 hours
• to Rangipo Hut 5 1/2 hours