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Removal of Gardiner Hut

Removal of Gardiner Hut


The Department of Conservation (DOC) has completed the removal of Gardiner Hut which was deemed beyond repair after a significant rock avalanche in July 2014.

The remote hut, used only by experienced alpine climbers, was removed over two visits. The process involved DOC staff blasting a large rock that had caused most of the damage. The barrel-shaped hut was then cut into three pieces and flown out by The Helicopter Line.

“This was a massive rock fall and it is testimony to the hut’s placement and design that the structure survived at all,” says DOC Aoraki Conservation Services Manager, Mike Davies.

“The current loss of Gardiner Hut illustrates the challenge of building and maintaining huts in Aoraki’s dynamic geological landscape. This situation is further exacerbated by glacial recession.”

The rock avalanche occurred on the south face of Aoraki/Mt Cook, from below the Hillary Ridge immediately northwest of Endeavor Col. The avalanche damaged Gardiner Hut moving it off its foundations and destroying the adjacent toilet.

The hut has been closed since the avalanche pending a detailed onsite engineering assessment once the site became clear of snow. An assessment in March 2015 concluded that the hut was beyond repair and would need to be removed.

“The department will now work with the public and our partners towards a decision regarding the replacement of the hut,” says Mike Davies.

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“This will link in to the review of the Park Management Plan later this year. It will need input from Ngāi Tahu in recognition of Aoraki’s cultural importance and its Tōpuni status, as well as the Conservation Board, and alpine users of the park.”

The rock avalanche also severely damaged the Pudding Rock Cables and anchors that provide critical access to Gardiner Hut and the upper Hooker Valley climbing routes on the western side of Aoraki. This includes a number of routes including the classic Grand Traverse, South Face of Hicks, La Perouse and Nazomi. The department plans to replace these cables next summer.

–Ends–

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