Thread: Ruahine Hut/Big Hill Station

I've just come out of there - had the ballot for 12 March. I've spent a fair bit of time in there over the years, usually having climbed up Golden Crown (from Masters Shelter, or Sentry Box). You need to be really aware of the Iwi blocks - I'm pretty sure the consequences of getting caught hunting on these blocks without permission would be treated the same as any other trespass offence.
The old man & I headed out towards Aranga and onto the main range, fly camping out there is very productive with plenty of animals out and about - no roaring heard while we were there, but they cannot be far off.
Heading towards Ikawtea can be worthwhile, but I would recommend camping on the plateau above the river (rather than heading all the way down to the hut).
Diannes Hut and the river here is tight and very limited animal numbers, but heading up to Taruarau Biv is worthwhile - hunt the open tops above Shutes Hut or the Taruarau ridge out of Taruarau Biv.
I've not hunted out of Ruahine Hut per-se, I've always gone further afield.....I imagine the tops around the road are fairly heavily spotlighted and the Iwi land heavily poached.
Ditch the quad, stretch the legs and do some proper hunting.....it will be worth it if you're meat hunting. Head quality in the area is questionable if you're looking for big antlers.
Hope this helps - -happy to answer any questions.