Thread: Hauhungaroa Hut

The wife wants to do an overnighter for her birthday between Xmas and New Year.
Can anybody give me an update on what the track from the Mangakahu side is like to the Hauhungaroa Hut.
Not too interested in going Waihaha way as that hut is pretty busy these days.
Taking tent in case hut full anyway.
Will take her car is the road ok to track start.

Also looking at wandering into Leitchs Hut as an alternative, again another I haven't been too yet.
Thanks Owen