Description

This is a basic six-bunk hut located in Craigieburn Forest Park in the North Canterbury and Arthur's Pass area. A physical remnant of depression mining, Urquharts Hut is historically significant. There are no fees. Bookings not required - first come, first served. Facilities include heating, non-flush toilets and water from a stream. Urquharts Hut is built of beech pole framing, corrugated iron cladding and has an earth floor. Although not originally lined, parts of the hut have some sacking and plywood lining. There is a corrugated iron fireplace at the south end. The hut has six sacking bunks. Running water is obtained from the river and there is a pit toilet near the hut. The hut is built on a terrace amidst the attractive Wilberforce valley, which is surrounded by high peaks. Access to the hut up the Wilberforce braided river valley is not difficult, but requires numerous river crossings. Care needs to be taken in northwest weather conditions as the river can rise rapidly.