Big Hut
This historic alpine hut is located in the Rock and Pillar Range in Coastal Otago. The hut is owned and maintained by the Strath Taieri Agriculture & Rural Tourism (START).
Altitude: 1325 m
There is a poled route between Big Hut and Leaning Lodge -"see how to get there section".
Poor visibility and/or icy conditions can make this route difficult. In good conditions it is straight forward and takes 2-3 hours.
Facilities
- Water - Rainwater and stream nearby. Boil all water before use
- Gas cooker, cookware, cutlery, plates etc available
- Two bunkrooms
- A large common room with table tennis table
- Dining tables and seating
- A relatively small kitchen
- A gear room and a wash room/entry lobby, all with solar-powered lighting
- No artificial heating in the hut
History
The original hut was built by the Otago Ski Club in 1946 as part of an attempt to develop a ski field on the Rock & Pillar Range. For many years this 'Big Hut', as it became known, provided the venue for large weekend parties of enthusiasts who engaged in all forms of skiing - downhill, slalom, jumping, and langlauf.
The hut fell into disuse and disrepair after 1954, until the 1980’s when the Otago Tramping & Mountaineering Club made it weatherproof again. START has recently completed upgrades to the hut, including insulation.
Booking
You can book the Big Hut by contacting Kate Wilson via email at kate@strathburn.co.nz or by phone at +64274438134.