New Anchorage Hut for Abel Tasman Coast Track

An improved and larger Anchorage Hut is to be built on the Abel Tasman Coast Track to meet demand to stay in this popular Great Walk hut and will be ready for use this summer.

The old 1970s-built hut at Anchorage is being removed to make way for the new hut so temporarily it will only be possible to camp at this bay from 6 May for around six months while the new hut is built. No hut accommodation will be available at Anchorage until the new hut opens for use which is aimed for early November.

Another alternative option for those walking the Abel Tasman National Park coast track during that time is to stay at Bark Bay Hut three to four hours’ walk from Anchorage.

Department of Conservation Motueka Visitor Assets Programme Manager Mark Townsend said the current 24-bunk Anchorage Hut was full around 140 nights a year – more than most DOC huts and the other three huts on the Abel Tasman Coast Track.

‘The new hut will have 34 bunks bringing it into line with the other two huts on the busiest section of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, south of Totaranui – Bark Bay Hut which sleeps 34 and Awaroa Hut with 30 bunks.

‘The living area in the current Anchorage Hut is too small and cramped at busy times. The new hut will have a larger living area, more outdoor space in which to relax, and four bunkrooms.

‘It will be warmer, being well-insulated, designed to make the most of the sun and with a woodburner in the living area. The current hut, built in 1973, is uninsulated, has no heating in the bunk rooms and is dark inside. The new hut will also be less costly to maintain, including having colour steel exterior cladding.

‘Anchorage Hut is popular with both New Zealanders and overseas tourists, with more than 6000 bed-nights, or overnight stays, a year. Those staying at the hut include many New Zealand youngsters with their families or on school trips making the most of children under 18 being able to stay for free at Great Walk huts and campsites.

‘The new hut with its increased bunk space will better meet the demand to stay in the hut. It will also provide a more comfortable and pleasant overnight shelter in which to sleep and relax in a beautiful natural spot after several hour’s exertion walking the track.

‘We appreciate the removal of the current hut to build the new hut on the site will cause temporary inconvenience to track walkers. It is better though to do this work in winter when fewer walkers are on the track and have the hut open in time for summer when the park and track are at their busiest.’

More information about walking the Abel Tasman Coast Track can be found on the DOC website www.doc.govt.nz where bookings can also be made to stay at the track’s huts and campsites.

–Ends–

© Scoop Media