Last updated November 2026
The Burn Hut Track climbs from the Mangahao reservoirs in Tararua Forest Park to Burn Hut, a DOC hut on a small spur with views across the Horowhenua and northern Wairarapa, about 32 km from Palmerston North. There are two tracks to the hut, each taking 3–4 hours by DOC’s times, and you can walk either one as a return trip or join them into a loop with some road walking.
DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track, and the loop option includes a stretch of College Stream with no formed track at all. Access is from Shannon along Mangahao Road, which DOC describes as very winding.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alerts for the track, but check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Burn Hut Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Mangahao Lower No.2 Reservoir or Mangahao Upper No.1 Reservoir, Mangahao Road (from Shannon)
- Distance from the city
- About 32 km from Palmerston North
- Walking time
- Lower No.2 Reservoir to Burn Hut: 3–4 hr. Burn Hut to Upper No.1 Reservoir: 3–4 hr
- Track length
- About 10.3 km
- Grade
- Advanced (DOC: advanced tramping track)
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.
- Hut
- Burn Hut (DOC hut)
- Road walking
- 4 km on Mangahao Road between the reservoirs if you do the loop
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Burn Hut Track
Burn Hut sits on a small spur on the ridge, and the tramp to reach it climbs from the reservoirs through forest onto open tops thickly covered in leatherwood. From the ridge, DOC says the views stretch across the Horowhenua and northern Wairarapa.
There are two ways to the hut. One starts from Mangahao Lower No.2 Reservoir and follows the river before climbing to the ridge, while the other comes up from Mangahao Upper No.1 Reservoir by way of College Stream and Baber Creek.
Either one makes a return trip, or you can combine them into a loop and walk the 4 km of road between the two reservoirs to get back to your car.
This is a typical Tararua backcountry tramp: rough and uneven underfoot, with tree roots to scramble over and a stream-bed section on the loop that has no formed track. It suits experienced trampers who are comfortable with route finding, river crossings and changeable mountain weather.
The Two Tracks to Burn Hut
Mangahao Lower No.2 Reservoir to Burn Hut (3–4 hr)
The track starts on the far side of the Lower No.2 Reservoir and sidles along the true right of the river for about an hour. It looks flat on the map, but DOC notes there are plenty of small ups and downs.
Just past a wooden bridge, the track climbs for about an hour to the bushline and comes out onto the leatherwood tops, then follows the ridge for another hour to Burn Hut.
Burn Hut to Mangahao Upper No.1 Reservoir (3–4 hr)
From the hut, the track crosses a small saddle and climbs back to the ridgeline. After about an hour along the ridge it sidles behind high point 835 m and starts to descend, reaching College Stream around 40 minutes later. There is no formed track down College Stream: you walk in the stream bed, boulder hopping and crossing often. DOC recommends not attempting this route after heavy rain, as it may be impassable.
After about an hour in College Stream you reach its junction with Baber Creek, where the track starts again on the true right. Allow about another hour to the dam. The track follows the edge of the Upper No.1 Reservoir and crosses the dam face to finish at the Mangahao Road end.
Road walk between the reservoirs
To close the loop, follow Mangahao Road for 4 km from the upper reservoir back to the lower reservoir. There is no track or footpath, so watch for vehicles, especially on corners.
Getting There
From Shannon, take East Road and then follow Mangahao Road past the Mangahao Power Station, after which the road turns to gravel. DOC says that after around 30 minutes you reach Tokomaru No.3 Reservoir.
Carry on past it and gently uphill, then down steeply into the Mangahao Valley to the Lower No.2 Reservoir. For the Upper No.1 Reservoir start, continue to the end of the road.
DOC describes Mangahao Road as very winding and best suited to drivers confident on remote gravel roads. Drive slowly and carefully, and travel in daylight.
Track Conditions and Safety
The Tararua Ranges are known for wild, fast-changing and unpredictable weather. Whatever the forecast, pack warm and waterproof clothing, and DOC recommends taking a distress beacon and an emergency shelter.
The College Stream section involves frequent unbridged crossings. Don’t cross if the stream is flooded, or if you can’t find good entry and exit points; turn back or wait for the water to drop. Check the river flow forecasts and weather before you leave, use Plan My Walk, and tell someone your plans.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Burn Hut Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Tararua Forest Park: the wider park, its huts and tracks, and current alerts.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check track alerts and weather, and share your plans with someone you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to walk to Burn Hut?
DOC times each of the two tracks at 3–4 hours: from Mangahao Lower No.2 Reservoir to the hut, and from the hut to Mangahao Upper No.1 Reservoir.
Can I do Burn Hut as a loop?
Yes. Walk up one track and down the other, then follow Mangahao Road for 4 km between the two reservoirs. There’s no footpath, so watch for vehicles.
How hard is the Burn Hut Track?
DOC grades it as an advanced tramping track. It’s rough and uneven, and the College Stream section has no formed track.
Is College Stream passable after rain?
DOC recommends not attempting the College Stream route after heavy rain, as it may be impassable.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes. DOC’s rule is: “Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.”
How do I get to the start?
From Shannon, take East Road and follow Mangahao Road past the power station to the reservoirs. The road is very winding gravel, so drive it slowly and in daylight.
What is Burn Hut?
A DOC hut on a small spur along the ridge, with views across the Horowhenua and northern Wairarapa. Check the DOC page for current hut details.
Is the track open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had no alert for the track. Check DOC before you go.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.