A steady gravel climb of around 1000 metres takes you up into the hills, with the road eventually reaching the Ranigwahia Hut access carpark. On a clear day the views out over the Central Plateau are well worth the trip up.

The road crosses private, working land, so leave gates as you found them and stay on the road throughout. From the carpark a walking track carries on up to the hut, allow about an hour each way on foot. Pack warm layers if you're going up in the colder months.