Historic Locke Stream Hut
Management
Taramakau Valley, Arthur's Pass National Park, West Coast Conservancy, Department of Conservation.
Locke Stream Hut
Fabric
A timber and iron hut with bunks, fireplace, etc. A notable feature is the floor of adzed timber originally cut from the surrounding forest. Windows, cladding, chimney and fireplace were renewed in 1993, and a removable verandah was added.
Locke Stream Hut is set in a small clearing in the Taramakau Valley forest.
History
Built with Department of Internal Affairs funding when the Taramakau-Harper Pass - Lake Sumner route was developed as part of a Government programme encouraging physical fitness. It has been in regular use by trampers, hunters, etc, ever since. Historical themes are tourism and recreation.
Fabric significance
Construction is of interest, particularly the unusual floor.
Historic significance
A relic of the Government's 1939s fitness programme, in quite original condition.
Future management
The hut will continue to be used for recreation via the Harper Pass route. Major maintenance was carried out in 1993 in accordance with a conservation plan (Paul Mahoney, 1992) with the objective of retaining the hut's original character.
Regular maintenance work has been carried out by the Waimakariri Area Office. The hut will continue to be maintained to protect its historic fabric and minimise deterioration.