Cattle Ridge

High on the exposed slopes of the Tararua Range, winds whip across Cattle Ridge. Here, nestled amongst the rugged beauty of Remutaka Forest Park, lies a small, unassuming hut. Cattle Ridge itself isn’t just a viewpoint; it’s a pathway, a connector between the Butcher Track and the Ōrongorongo Track. A challenging four-hour, 12-kilometer loop can be made if you combine Cattle Ridge Track with these two other trails. The ridge offers breathtaking views, but its real story lies in the humble shelter built upon it. The Cattle Ridge Hut. This isn’t just any backcountry shelter. It’s a testament to the resilience and passion of a community dedicated to preserving the history and accessibility of these wild spaces. Originally built in 1961 by the New Zealand Forest Service, the hut served a vital purpose. It provided shelter for those involved in deer culling operations. Cattle Ridge Hut was one of fourteen six-bunk S70 type huts erected during this period, reflecting a broader effort to manage the Tararua’s burgeoning deer population. Over time, the hut fell into disrepair. By 2012, it faced demolition. The Department of Conservation had deemed it redundant. But the outdoor community rallied against this decision. One man in particular, Tony Macklin, spearheaded the fight to save Cattle Ridge Hut. He poured his energy and vision into drafting plans for its restoration, envisioning a revitalized space for future generations of hikers and hunters. Tragically, Macklin passed away suddenly in 2016 before seeing his dream realized. His legacy, however, lived on. The Wellington branch of the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association, along with DOC and the Tararua Aorangi Remutaka Huts Committee, took up the mantle. They raised an impressive $70,000 to fund the hut’s extensive renovation. The rebuilt Cattle Ridge Hut stands as a tribute to Macklin’s dedication. A plaque bearing his name, unveiled by his son, serves as a poignant reminder of his contribution. Today, the hut boasts modern amenities like double-glazed windows. It also contains echoes of its past. The original “skeleton” of the structure was preserved in the rebuild. Even the infamous chimney, once ripped off by a westerly gale and found a considerable distance away, now has a more secure successor. So, as you stand here, imagining the winds howling across Cattle Ridge, remember the story of this small hut. It’s more than just a place to rest weary legs. It embodies the spirit of community, perseverance, and a deep love for the wild beauty of New Zealand.