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DOC has added a porch and extra sleeping capacity to Te Araroa’s Top Timaru Hut, the first stopover for southbound Te Araroa walkers on the Breast Hill track.  The department has also shifted the hut from the true right of the Timaru River to the true left. Trampers no longer have to cross the Timaru River to reach the hut. 

 

The hut was originally built in 1962 as a forestry hut, and was sited in a dark gorge.

 

“The hut has always been a popular base for hunters, but with the arrival of Te Araroa it now provides a stopover for trampers too,” says DOC’s Wanaka Area Manager, Paul Hellebrekers.  “It’s had a significant makeover. For those who can remember the early tin huts built by the forest service, the new hut will be something special to see.”

 

Te Araroa Trust’s South Island project manager, Mike Pullar said the hut’s location and upgrade was a welcome effort on Otago’s 54 km Breast Hill track –“one of Te Araroa’s South Island highlights.”

 

 

 

 

 

Through tramper Toek - Timaru River