Huts of the Mount Hector track

Abstract

This report records the history of the huts erected for the Mount Hector Track between 1915 and 1930 by the Greytown and Otaki Mount Hector Track Committees and the Tararua Tramping Club. The Committees were formed in 1910 for the purposes of developing a scenic tourist track across the southern Tararua Range between the two towns. A track was formed and huts built for the accommodation of tourists accompanied, if necessary, by a guide. The Department of Tourist and Health Resorts and the Public Works Department greatly aided the development. Without their assistance it would not have been possible. The emergence of tramping clubs and trampers after 1919 gradually changed the emphasis away from a 'tourist track'. Three men were influential in making this track possible. W. Workman built Alpha and Top Tauherenikau huts and did a lot of early track work thereby getting the whole scheme started. W.H. Field, MP, obtained the necessary Government assistance through innumerable representations and Joe H. Gibbs had the necessary skill to build the central huts necessary for continued popular use of the track. A chronological history of the Track and details relevant to all huts are first given, then each hut is described in greater detail. 49 photos illustrate the report while maps, hut plans and a survey of the condition of Cone Hut form the appendices.