History of sheltering and hut building on Haast Ridge : This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Diploma in Parks and Recreation at Lincoln College

Abstract

The principal objective of this dissertation is to tell the story of shelters and hut building on the Haast Ridge. It is trusted that it will serve as an accurate historical record, describing and detailing the events, relating to both the physical aspects of shelters and huts, and the people who created them.

The story is told as much as possible in the words of the people involved, giving their thoughts and recollect ns on the work they undertook. This is in an endeavour to make this interesting story as lively, colourful, and credible as possible.

As well as written resources there have also been personal accounts used. Gaining information by talking to the original people involved has been regarded as very important, for as time goes by more and more information is lost.

It hoped that readers not familiar with the Mount Cook Region or the intricacies of hut building and life in the mountains will enjoy reading this story also. In respect to this, specific technical detail on methods of construction is not given. Rather points are discussed generally that try to make the particular facets of mountain hut building more easily understood.

Throughout this account, attention is focused on the rugged mountain environment that is the setting for the events and activities that took place. Aspects of the physical environment are described and it is hoped some insight and a feeling about this region of high mountains will be gained.

This dissertation also discusses how shelters and huts on the Haast Ridge have contributed to the recreation and management of the Mount Cook area. At the end of each chapter there is a summary that highlights the issues that have been discussed in relation to management of the park.