Mr Lester said it was not a key hut - there were others within a two-hour walk - but it enabled elderly or disabled people to experience a night in remote bush.
"I hope some hunting or tramping club branch will come forward and and help to manage it," he said.
He said DOC did not wish to close the road.
"Quad biking and four wheel driving is a legitimate outdoor activity."
From the hut vehicle tracks led to a ridge "where on a good day you get to see both coasts".
"It's quite an opportunity for folk who don't have the opportunity to use their 4WD very often to go to some place pretty adventurous."
Takapari Rd, while close to Dannevirke, is accessed from the western side of the range. It is the only public-access driveable route to the top of the Ruahine Range.
If no group came forward the hut's future would be reviewed, he said. "People might be relying on it and if it is not going to provide adequate shelter it becomes a bit of a risk."
