Sitting on the high-country river flats up the Hopkins Valley, Dodger Hut is a basic backcountry hut the NZ Forest Service put up in 1958. It's a simple, characterful place with heating and mattresses, and the open valley scenery around it makes the trip worthwhile on its own.

Getting in is half the fun. You follow the valley with plenty of river crossings, and it ranges from easy to hard depending on the levels, so best to travel with a minimum of three vehicles. There are good camping spots along the way if you'd rather pitch up before the hut.

It's a well-regarded hunting ground and a popular one. Suits anyone set up for backcountry travel and comfortable with river crossings.