Lower Ripia Hut
Lower Ripia Hut is a remote backcountry cabin used mainly as a hunting base in the Te Matai Lands Trust block, with access only by helicopter. The hut is a 4-bunk setup with a gas cooker and a wood firebox, plus cutlery and crockery for basic meals.
The hut sleeps up to 4 people and operates as a private hunting-block stay. Bookings have terms that cap stays at 7 nights per booking, require a minimum of two land/block fees per booking/night, and include a non-refundable deposit for April bookings ($400) or for other dates ($200, paid within 14 days of booking). Use is subject to hunting rules such as maximum one deer per person plus one per party (example given for 3 hunters), no night shooting or spot lighting/infrared/thermal imaging gear, and DOC hunting permits if you hunt on adjoining DOC land. During Dec–Mar, day fishermen may be on the Ripia River; if you want to fish while in the block, arrangements are handled through the operator.