Burn Hut is in the northern Tararua Forest Park, not far from Shannon.

The access road is gravel and winds its way towards the Mangahao Hydro Electric Power Station for around 5km. Park at Mangahao Lower No 2 Reservoir, and cross to the start of the track. A pleasant walk along the Mangahao River leads towards a high point of 798m.

Once on the ridge line, you’re out of thick bush, and the scrub is low enough to enjoy views of the surroundings and even the hut can be seen early on.

Burn Hut is well maintained and designed. It has a great entranceway, where gear can be removed, and platform bunks that allow the interior space to be well utilised.

It is possible to make a visit to Burn Hut a loop by dropping down to Mangahao Upper No 1 Reservoir and then walking the access road back to the lower reservoir.

This would be a lot longer than the way in and would include more tops travel.