Format: Collection

Linked To

Place

Image

Collection (8)

Recollections

Add

no stories yet

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 3.0 New Zealand License

This licence lets you remix, tweak, and build upon our work noncommercially and although your new works must also acknowledge us and be noncommercial, you do not have to license the derivative works on the same terms.

Tools

Download Add to Collection Contact us about this Citation for this item

Bealey Spur Hut and Track

Description

NameBealey Spur Hut and TrackDescriptionNestled in a clearing at the bush line, the Bealey Spur hut with its open fire and earth floor is a relic from our mustering past.

Built in 1935 by the owners of Cora Lynn Station, the hut was used as a base for the annual autumn sheep muster. In summer, thousands of sheep would graze on the high pastures framed by the spectacular but oddly-named Black Range. The musterers used dogs and horses to corral their flock – and you can still see the remains of an old dog kennel and remnants of wire fencing for keeping horses.

Up to 6000 sheep used to graze these tussock lands in the area before it was retired in 1978 and became part of the Arthur’s Pass National Park, under the guardianship of the Department of Conservation.

Trampers can stay overnight in this six-bunk spartan hut, for a genuine mustering-life experience. The hut was constructed from beech saplings cut from the bush, and features an authentic earth floor and corrugated iron cladding on the walls and roof. There is an open fire and even the bunks are made from beech sapling framing.

The Bealey Spur Track is a popular destination walk for visitors to Authur’s Pass National Park, and features dramatic views down to Bruce Stream and the Waimakariri River valley. The 6km track is suitable for all ages, and takes two to three hours to walk. You can walk this track in most weather conditions; there are no river crossings, which makes it safe when the lower land rivers are in flood.

A walk of many contrasts, it starts in beech forest, and climbs steadily until the bush recedes and snow tussocks begin. An area of tarns is traversed by boardwalk to preserve the delicate natural ecosystems. The track re-enters the bush again, this time stunted by the gain in altitude. The walk ends at the Bealey Spur hut, once known by the old musterers as the ‘Top Hut’.

By Andrew Perkins

Wendy Dudson at Bealey Spur Hut. Photo by Paul Dudson, 2021.

Connections

PlaceArthur's PassBealeyMore InformationBealey Spur Track, Department of Conservation

Menu

Bealey Spur Hut and Track