Dorset Ridge Hut
Standard hutTararua Forest Park, WellingtonOpen
Current advisories
Predator control for part of Tararua Forest Park
02 June 2026
We distributed toxic bait pellets containing 1080 by helicopter on 19 May 2026. A caution period is in place for approximately 8 months. Visitors are advised not to take dogs into the area until the caution period has ended. 1080 is deadly to dogs. How to keep dogs safe around 1080 . This operation is part of DOC's National Predator Control Programme to protect native species. First published on 2 May 2026. Last reviewed on 3 June 2026.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai alerts.
- Sleeps
- 6 bunks
- Booking
- Not bookable
- Cost
- from $15
- Heating
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Boil first
- Toilet
- Non-flush
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzDorset Ridge Hut
Dorset Ridge Hut is in a remote area in the middle of the Tararua Forest Park.
This is a backcountry hut with no DOC track access. You will need to plan your route and navigate yourself, using aids like a map, compass and GPS. Learn navigation skills.
- Topo map
- Topo50 sheet BN34
- Grid reference
- E1804334, N5479786
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 40.80754° S, 175.42240° E
About this place
This is a standard six-bunk hut in the Wairarapa region.
Fees and bookings
Before you go, buy Hut Tickets for each night's stay. Put these in the honesty box at the hut. Or buy a Backcountry Hut Pass that gives unlimited use at most Standard and Serviced huts for a 12 month period. Retailers that sell hut tickets and passes
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Tarn Ridge Hut
Standard • 16 bunks • Wellington • 2.2 km
Tarn Ridge Hut is a basic shelter in the Wairarapa region that offers protection from the elements. It sustained water damage from a storm in 2020, so the…
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Carkeek Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Wellington • 2.9 km
Carkeek Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in the Wairarapa region.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
McGregor Bivvy
Basic/bivvies • 2 bunks • Wellington • 2.9 km
McGregor Bivvy is a basic two-bunk hut located in the Wairarapa region of Wellington.
Toilets - non-flush • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use • Water supply
Mid King Bivvy
Basic/bivvies • 2 bunks • Wellington • 3.1 km
Mid King Bivvy is a basic two-bunk hut located in the Wairarapa region.
Toilets - non-flush • Water from stream • Water supply
Nichols Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Wellington • 3.9 km
Nichols Hut is a standard six-bunk hut in the Wairarapa region of Wellington.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Walks nearby
Mitre Peak Track
Advanced • 2.66 km (to bush line) • 4.53 km away
Waingawa River Track (Mitre Flats to Cow Creek)
Advanced • 3 hr 30 min • 7.3 km • 5.64 km away
Blue Range to Cow Creek Hut Track
Advanced • 3 hr • 5 km • 7.11 km away
Mitre Flats Track
Advanced • 8 - 9 hr return • 8.2 km • 7.48 km away
East Holdsworth Track
Advanced • 3.6 km • 7.8 km away
Contact
Wellington/Kapiti information
Regional DOC service centre.
Notes from people who have been
No notes yet. If you have been, say what you found.
Something missing or out of date?
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Sources
- DOC Huts (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).
- OpenStreetMap Huts · ODbL (Open Database License)Contains information from OpenStreetMap, made available under the ODbL.
- DOC Huts · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.