Historic Cape Defiance Hut
Management
Westland/Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef Area Office, West Coast Conservancy, Department of Conservation.
The sun shining down on Cape
Defiance Hut
Fabric
A small iron and timber hut containing a stove, a table and forms, cupboards containing old supplies, bunks and assorted mountaineering artefacts such as skis and packs.
History
Components were carried to Cape Defiance to provide a hut for glacier walkers and climbers. Site instability caused it to be re-sited in 1936, but access became more difficult as the site was eroded away the hut was in danger of falling onto the glacier. It was retrieved in 1978 for public display at the Franz Josef Visitor Centre.
It has historic themes of exploration, early tourism, and recreation.
Fabric significance
A rare example of an early mountain hut, in virtually unmodified condition.
Historic significance
One of the best known huts in the glacier region, used for many years by climbers from many parts of the world. Well documented and often photographed. Threatened by deterioration of structure and iron roof; blocked drains due to leaf litter.
Interpretation with displays by Friends of South Westland Mountaineering
Future management
Liaise with Friends of South Westland Mountaineering.