Red Hut

The place

Historic DOC hut in Ruataniwha Conservation Park (Canterbury), set on an alluvial fan of the Hopkins River surrounded by beech forest. Two-room structure of about 7.7 x 5 m, **built in 1916 for tourism and later used as a musterers' hut**. Fully clad in rust-red "ship-lap" boards — separate rooms in keeping with the period plan. A 2003 restoration preserved the heritage character while adding modern comfort. Capacity: 12 bunks. Access: 4 hr / 15 km up the Hopkins Valley from the Ram Hill car park (via Lake Ohau Road). Fees (until 30 June 2026): NZ$10/5 adult/youth via Standard Hut Ticket or Backcountry Hut Pass. Map NZTopo50 BY14 (E1346119, N5123356).