Perched on the high saddle that connects the Diedrich Range with the Toaroha Range and separates the Toaroha and Mungo rivers, this humble ‘stand-up’ biv has provided shelter for deer cullers and trampers for 40 years. For some it has been a convenient spot for lunch on the exposed hop over the saddle between the huts of the Upper Toaroha and Mungo valleys, while for others it may have been a lifesaving shelter in stormy weather. 

This two-person bivouac has the honour of being the last biv built in Westland by the New Zealand Forest Service, but it’s just one backcountry hut of many in the region. The Toaroha Circuit (48km, Toaroha Valley – Mungo Valley – Frew Saddle – Whitcombe Valley) is the most common way to access this biv, and this popular backcountry traverse is well appointed with huts and bivouacs every few hours, or less, along its length. It’s a spectacular route, with rough tracks, bouldery river travel and exposed tops crossings linking two scenic saddles between the Toaroha and Whitcombe valleys. It’s the perfect introduction to the challenges of multi-day trips within Central Westland’s rugged terrain.   

There are more options to reach Toaroha Saddle Bivouac, as it lies at the nexus of other more challenging routes. This includes the Diedrichs and Toaroha ranges, which have multiple route possibilities accessing a number of other relatively remote huts, as well as the high route to Mungo Hut.