14 April 2009

Atiwhakatu Hut work underway

Work on a new hut in the Atiwhakatu Valley starts this week. The Department of Conservation hut includes double glazed windows, better insulation and large veranda as part of the project expected to run until late May.

The 12-bunk hut is being constructed in the same area as the current Atiwhakatu hut. This site is up to three hours walk from Holdsworth road-end in the Tararua Forest Park and is a popular destination for families and first-time trampers.

During the construction period the existing Atiwhakatu hut will be home to the team from Wellington Residential Building Ltd and closed to the public.

DOC visitor assets programme manager Garry Foster says that weather permitting the new hut could be built quickly and most people won’t notice the closure.

“The experienced crew plan to build the hut as fast as possible to minimise disruption to Atiwhakatu visitors. Patience may also be required if going into the construction area.

The new hut will be a great destination for school groups, families and day visitors. It’s a long phase planning for a hut and we’re excited that work is now underway” says Garry.

The site had been blessed by Archdeacon Hariata Tahana on behalf of local iwi, Ngati Kahangunu ki Wairarapa and Rangitane o Wairarapa prior to any work beginning.

Public will then be invited to come up and visit the new premises upon completion.

ENDS

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