In a case of many hands making light work, stage two of the renovation of Lockwood Shelter has been completed.

The iconic Arthur’s Pass building, owned by DOC and managed by Canterbury Mountaineering Club (CMC), was billed for removal in 2010. A community outcry meant plans were developed to restore the building instead. Originally built in 1972, it’s the only publicly accessible building at Temple Basin Ski Field. 

“It’s taken a few years to bring our plans to fruition, but sometimes good things take time,” Backcountry Trust (BCT) South Island manager Ollie Clifton said. “Once all the key players realised the renovation was possible if we worked collectively, things came together quickly. The success of this project has really been about CMC, BCT and Temple Basin Ski Club pooling our resources.”

Stage one of the renovation, completed in 2024, included a roof replacement. Stage two has included window and cladding replacement. The third and final stage will involve a full internal refurbishment. 

The shelter is named after George Lockwood, who adored Temple Basin and was a member of Christchurch Ski Club, Arthur’s Pass National Park Board, New Zealand Alpine Club and CMC.