Willows Hut (historic) | Ka Whata Tu o Rakihouia/Clarence Conservation Park

Set on a knoll with an aspect down Gore Stream, this old slab hut, in not so good repair, was built as a musterers’ hut in 1922. Much graffiti from the early days was carved into the timber, showing the finer points of this craft. The original open fireplace has been removed.

Looks like it has been abandoned to the elements with the timber slabs deteriorating at the base, and with numerous ventilation gaps, and the roof with some rust. Internally, the bunks with grass bedding are in slightly better condition, despite the dirt floor. This glimpse into our past deserves some more love for future generations to appreciate.

+++++horizontal rule+++++

category . . . historic hut, that many will think is barely habitable

hut fee . . . free

elevation . . . 600 m

bunks . . . 12 bunks. No mattresses

built . . . 1920s

heating . . . none

water . . . from stream 100 m down track

toilet . . . none

← Whites Bay campsite | near Blenheim