Dodger Hut
Dodger Hut is a standard four-bunk backcountry hut in Ruataniwha Conservation Park, run by the Department of Conservation. It was built by the NZ Forest Service in 1958 and is designed for use without standard bookings—stays are first come, first served (4 bunk beds).
Facilities include drinking water that is untreated, a fireplace, mattresses, and toilets using a pit latrine system. To reach the hut, it’s typically about 7–11.5 hours one way (around 25 km) up the Hopkins valley from Ram Hill car park, at the end of Lake Ohau Road.
Staying costs $10 per night for adults (18+), $5 per night for youth (5–17), and free for children/infants (0–4). For each night’s stay you need to buy a Standard Hut Ticket (blue for adults, yellow for youth) or use a Backcountry Hut Pass that provides unlimited use at most Standard and Serviced huts for a 12-month period. A hut ticket is required per night of stay; rates and fees change from 1 July 2026.