Upper Ripia Hut
Upper Ripia Hut is a remote 4-bunk bush cabin used by backcountry visitors in New Zealand’s Kaimanawa ranges. It sits on Te Matai Lands Trust land and is accessed only by helicopter, with the hut stay managed through commercial helicopter operators rather than DOC.
The hut has basic backcountry cooking provisions (a gas cooker with pots/pans and basic utensils) and a fireplace for heat. The typical booking involves advance arrangements and helicopter drop-offs; use is subject to land-access rules for the Te Matai Lands Trust area and is commonly handled through a booking agent.
Fees depend on season: 16 May–28 Feb is $75 per person/night (minimum 2 fees) plus a $5 nightly service fee, while 1 Mar–15 May is $100 per person/night (minimum 3 fees) plus the same $5 nightly service fee. All hunters and fishermen flying into East Taupo Lands Trust Lands are required to carry at least one Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), InReach, or satellite phone per party.