The two roomed hut to sleep 9.
Several months ago the Trust became the proud owner of a property near the Summit Walkway – close to the Port Levy Saddle and overlooking the Western Valley – in order to provide a hut for track users. Work to convert the hut from its former use as a crib to a tramping hut to sleep 9 is mostly complete. Over summer we will be installing water tanks and a greywater system and toilet. The hut will then meet the DOC BCC Serviced Hut standards. We are aiming to have the hut open by the end of the summer, and we have invited several tramping clubs and walking groups to come and give it the once over!
The new hut is intended to relieve the pressure on the Packhorse Hut and make it easier for people to walk from the Lyttelton crater to Hilltop. The Trust is aiming to encourage more families with children to get out tramping and to better understand the rural and natural environment. The Summit Walkway – or ‘Spine of the Lizard’ route as we are now calling it – provides an excellent opportunity to do just that. The walkway is not too far from Christchurch and not too difficult to walk, with splendid views in all directions and many other interesting features en route.
So continue watching this space and we will let you know when the hut is closer to opening. In the meantime, here are the Trustees and their families taking a look!
The hut with a new verandah
Trustee Brian Patrick visits with his children, Tajimi on his lap and Aya in the doorway. Garry Moore and his wife Pam brought granddaughter TIlly with him. The first kids to have a ball in the new hut!