The Department of Conservation reopened Boundary Hut at Mavora Lakes in Fiordland, Southland following a restoration project.
Built nearly 40 years ago, Boundary Hut sits at the northern limits of the Mavora Lake Conservation Area. Along with Taipo Hut, it was one of the first huts built as part of New Zealand’s Walkways system across the country.
The walk to Boundary Hut is an integral part of Te Araroa Trail and is popular with bike riders, horse riders, walkers, hunters and Mararoa River fishers.
The hut is about four hours’ walk, or 16km, from the North Mavora Lake Campsite.
Over time the hut’s floor had begun rotting and the facade had deteriorated in the harsh conditions, leaving it exposed to water damage.
Doc was supplied with paint and stain, funded flooring hardware, lining materials and heli-transportation of materials to the hut site, allowing Doc rangers to spend five days undertaking vital restoration.
The work included reflooring, relining walls, staining timber and bunks, replacing the veranda, exterior wall painting, repairing the water tank and greywater system, and building new seats.
Doc Te Anau heritage and visitors ranger Luke Bovill headed up the work.
"While we had the helicopter in the area, we were determined to use it as effectively as possible. Once we’d moved restoration materials to the site, we removed the seasonal water supply systems to prevent freezing pipes at three huts, removed all rubbish from the huts and transported an inspector between locations,” Mr Bovill said.
"Temperatures were sub-zero, so after camping for three nights while we gutted the hut, it was a real treat to spend our final night trying out the spruced-up facilities. I think it’s fair to say new and returning visitors will be happy with the changes to this hut, especially after a reasonable hike in.
"Doc’s Te Anau team has also recently done work on the nearby Kiwi Burn Hut, adding a new roof, floor, chimney and bunks."
Staff Reporter
