A historic hut built in 1884. It is the oldest hut in the Ruahine ranges. Named after James Ellis who in 1904 was accused of shooting his former boss Leonard Collinson after Collinson fired him for killing a red deer without permission. Ellis evaded authorities for 10 months, was captured, found guilty and hanged. Before 1904 the hut was called Whitnell’s Hut, after hunter/ shepherd Bill Whitnell who lived there. Located just off Yeomans Track on Ellis Road, just inside the Gwavas Forest.