The New Zealand Alpine Club’s (NZAC) Aspiring Hut is open again following a significant rebuilding project.

The hut is in West Matukituki Valley, Mt Aspiring National Park. It was opened in 1949 and has been a popular base for mountaineers climbing in the area. The rebuilt hut has an expansive decking area, new fireplace and solar lighting.

“The rearranged bunkrooms allow for more private space for groups and families, and the booking system ensures that even the youngest outdoor enthusiast will be assured a bed on arrival,” said NZAC general manager Karen Leacock.

In 2013, the stone-walled hut was deemed no longer up to building code in terms of seismic strength. After a geotechnical survey and deliberation, funding for the project became available through a Backcountry Trust grant from the Kaimahi For Nature fund.  Costs escalated from a $350,000 earthquake repair into a $1.3 million refurbishment.

“Few organisations with 4500 members would take on a project of this size, let alone one located in a remote valley in central Otago in the middle of a building supplies shortage and during sustained inflation. However, the volunteers, contractors and small staff of this organisation quietly got on with it to achieve something great,” said Leacock.

The hut is co-managed by DOC and NZAC, with four bunks bookable through the NZAC website, while the remaining 28 are bookable through DOC.