Aspiring Hut will be closed from April 9 until mid-June next year for earthquake strengthening work and other maintenance.

The 38-bunk New Zealand Alpine Club hut is just a two hour walk from the road end in Mt Aspiring National Park’s Matukituki Valley, making it a popular destination.

Alpine Club general manager Karen Tait said the work was being undertaken when the weather would be best and avoided the high season.

The hut, built in 1949 from schist, will have its stonework strengthened. The job requires the roof to be temporarily removed.

The hut will be unavailable while the work takes place, but the adjacent campsite and toilets will be open.