August 2012 Issue - Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ
August 2012 Issue - Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ
August 2012 Issue - Federated Mountain Clubs of NZ
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Nelson Hut and Track News(from the Waimea Tramping Club newsletter)Kahurangi National Park<strong>Mountain</strong> Biking on Heaphy TrackThe second year <strong>of</strong> a three-year trial <strong>of</strong> mountainbiking on the Heaphy Track began at thebeginning <strong>of</strong> May and huts are heavily bookedfor the weekends. A one-kilometre section <strong>of</strong>the track in the MacKay Hill area has beenupgraded using a $5,000 donation by the Nelson<strong>Mountain</strong> Bike Club, with another $5,500 formaterials given by mountain bike businesses.An estimated 1,700 mountain bikers rode thetrack last year.Heaphy TrackThe new Perry Saddle Hut was opened in June.The old hut site will be used for a campground.Construction <strong>of</strong> the new Heaphy Hut is expectedto be completed by the end <strong>of</strong> the year. Newswing-bridges have also been erected over theSwan Burn and the Gunner River.Leslie-Karamea HutsHuts on the Leslie-Karamea track have suffereddamage to the floors as a result <strong>of</strong> fishermenwearing spikes and instep crampons into the huts,particularly Crow Hut. Fishermen have also beenstaying for extended periods in the huts whenuse is limited to three consecutive nights, whichThe new Perry Saddle Hut Photo: DOC Golden Bayensures that the huts remain accessible for otherusers. The long-stay visitors have also flown ingear, including suitcases, which has occupied alarge amount <strong>of</strong> space within the huts as well asbeing out <strong>of</strong> character with what people expect.DOC invites any feedback on these issues.Mt Arthur HutVolunteers have helped paint the Mt ArthurHut. DOC is also seeking funding to replace theeight-bunk hut in the future. The new 16-bunkhut could be relocated 20 metres higher up theridge, above the bushline, and would includeimproved living space to cater for the hut’s21,000 visitors per year. DOC is keen to hearfrom those interested in plans for a new hut.Abel Tasman National ParkThe Totaranui Road was <strong>of</strong>ficially reopened inJune after repairs to the major slips and washoutsresulting from last December’s floods. TheAwapoto Hut’s ro<strong>of</strong> has been repaired after atree fell on it.Anchorage Hut, the busiest hut in thecountry, will be replaced next year, with anincrease in capacity from 24 to 34 bunks– matching the bunk-space <strong>of</strong> nearby BarkBay Hut. Plans include four bunkrooms andincreased living space to better accommodatethe hut’s large number <strong>of</strong> visitors. The existing20FMC Bulletin • <strong>August</strong> <strong>2012</strong>
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