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Rocky Ridge Hut

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Rocky Ridge Hut

Dunback, Otago


Rocky Ridge Hut is located in East Otago - approximately one hour from Dunedin and 30 minutes inland from the famous Moeraki boulders.

The hut is set on a sheep and beef farm, high on a hill with incredible views over a quintessential Otago landscape.

The hut is fully enclosed and open plan - with distinct bedroom, lounge and kitchen areas. A luxurious bathroom is positioned at the rear of the small building. Outside, cape cod chairs and a hot tub are perfectly positioned for soaking up the views of the Kakanui mountain range.

On clear days you'll see down to the coast in the East and the central Otago Maniototo mountains to the West. Harrier hawks and the rare New Zealand Falcons use this area for hunting grounds and if you're lucky you will see them swooping overhead.

The views are ever-changing with the light and mood of the weather. Wake to an incredible sunrise, watch the sea fog roll in from the East and fill the valley below you like a carpet. Sunsets turn the mountains golden in the final hours of light. Once the sun goes down, the amazing Milky Way glistens above - unpolluted by light. Use the hut telescope to hone in on the rings of Saturn or the craters of the moon.

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Eating and drinking near Escape

EATING AND DRINKING

Rocky Ridge Hut is self-catering. Just bring your own food, and cook meals using the BBQ and facilities provided in the hut kitchen. You'll find all the cutlery, crockery, pots and pans that you'll need.

If you want a break from cooking at any stage, Moeraki Tavern offers a classic Kiwi pub experience, with hearty tucker and a good selection of beers and only a 30 minutes drive from the property. For something a bit closer, Macraes village has 'The Stanley', an 1882 historic pub - just 12 minutes away.

Palmerston has a 4-Square for groceries and is a 15-minute drive from Rocky Ridge Hut.

Things to do near Escape

THINGS TO DO

Once you get to this magical spot, you won't want to leave. With chess, croquet, playing cards and bluetooth speakers provided - you'll have plenty to keep you entertained.

The hot tub is the place to wile away the hours... Take in the spectacular views during the day, and star-gaze at night.

If you're keen to see some of the area, the Moeraki Boulders are a 30-minute drive to the North, with a beautiful beach to explore.

Matanaka, thought to be New Zealand’s oldest surviving farm, is a 25-minute drive to the South. The clifftop farm features a well-preserved collection of homesteads and a school from early settlers. They are the oldest remaining buildings of their kind in the country.

If you're keen to get active, a short drive away is the nature reserve at Trotters Gorge - great for a walk. In Palmerston, is Puketapu Hill, a steep walk through a farm with incredible views of the East coast at the top.

Your hosts at Escape

YOUR HOSTS

Rob Hewett is a 4th generation farmer working on this beautiful land.

The station is a beef, sheep and grain farm that he and his dad work on together. Heléna met Rob in Dunback a few years ago at a winter ball hosted by Rob. Heléna is an English doctor working in Dunedin.

Rob had dreams of diversifying for years. Rocky Ridge Hut was the first cabin the couple launched to make his dream happen - with The Wild Irishman following a few years later.

As their family flourishes and expands, this year promises to be a whirlwind of bustling activity for them both!

TESTIMONIALS

“ Beautiful place to stay, just what I need... ”

Fiona Greig- 2025-12-14

20 / 20

“ Rocky Ridge Hut is designed perfectly for a relaxing stay that allows you to escape from the world. Enjoying the peaceful countryside views from a wood-fired hot tub, what more could you want! ”

Nikki Atkinson- 2026-05-27

1 / 20

“ Rocky Ridge Hut was just perfect. Beautiful location, wonderful views, and great layout inside. Everything was really high quality. It has all you needed for a very comfortable stay, really good quality. ”

Sue Beck- 2026-05-27

2 / 20

“ Great setting. ”

Sharyn Foster- 2026-05-09

3 / 20

“ Lovely calm vibes, incredible view! Can't wait to come back. ”

Sara Phillips- 2026-04-27

4 / 20

“ The most amazing few nights away, not too far to travel for such a beautiful and hidden spot! ”

Shontelle Smith- 2026-04-25

5 / 20

“ Views of the Razorback Ridge and Dunback Hills are incredible. But the hut itself is finished to such a fantastic standard. Easily one of the best Canopy Camping spots there is, and I've stayed at many. ”

Joe Mercer- 2026-04-23

6 / 20

“ Comfortable well laid out hut and amazing view. A brilliant sunrise which was a bonus. ”

Kay Payne- 2026-04-04

7 / 20

“ Beautiful spot, great views, would recommend to anyone who would love go somewhere to relax, especially in hot tub. ”

Linda Culbert- 2026-03-29

8 / 20

“ Stunning location with beautiful veiws throughout the day and at night. Great hosts, will definitely be rebooking in the future. ”

Grace Charlesworth- 2026-03-27

9 / 20

“ Beautiful setting and we could bring our fur babies, so we all had a lovely time. Very comfortable stay. ”

tracy worthington-thin- 2026-03-16

10 / 20

“ Our stay at Rocky Ridge Hut was so peaceful and relaxing with the perfect amount of things to do close by but isolated enough to switch off from the outside world! Would highly recommend if you are looking for a luxury getaway to switch off and totally relax! ”

Tash Hird- 2026-03-04

11 / 20

“ Our Rocky Ridge Hut stay was just what we wanted. Simple but understated luxury. So peaceful!! ”

Susan Murphy- 2026-02-19

12 / 20

“ Incredible and beautiful place, a place outside of this world for sure. ”

Chris Mackinven- 2026-02-15

13 / 20

“ Great views, private, great facilities! ”

Cheyenne Cunningham- 2026-02-10

14 / 20

“ A beautiful setting, highly recommend staying here, and I have already passed on details for others to stay. We will be back! ”

Ann Wood- 2026-02-03

15 / 20

“ We were so happy to arrive at Rocky Ridge on the last night of our holiday, a place we will always remember and hopefully come back to! Stunning scenery and isolated, amazing luxury accommodation to enjoy it. Thank you! ”

Guy Cobcroft- 2026-01-28

16 / 20

“ The perfect getaway to relax and disconnect from the world. The hut feels like it's in its only little bubble – yet at the same time there are whole bunch of great things to do within 30 minutes from the doorstep! ”

Nathan Barker- 2026-01-22

17 / 20

“ There are no words to describe how perfect this place is! The view, the design, the communication, the cleanliness, the facilities… everything! We celebrated a birthday and even though the weather was rainy, it was absolutely perfect! Thank you. ”

Almog Dan- 2026-01-18

18 / 20

“ We loved the care and attention Rob put in to Rocky Ridge’s design, ammenities and presentation. The view is incredible in all weather, especially with the fire going. A fantastic spot! ”

Sam Dargaville- 2026-01-05

19 / 20

“ Beautiful place to stay, just what I need... ”

Fiona Greig- 2025-12-14

20 / 20

“ Rocky Ridge Hut is designed perfectly for a relaxing stay that allows you to escape from the world. Enjoying the peaceful countryside views from a wood-fired hot tub, what more could you want! ”

Nikki Atkinson- 2026-05-27

1 / 20

Scenic coastal landscape viewed through a golden tent opening, showing lush green hillside with forest line meeting turquoise ocean waters under clear blue sky

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