Sheep mustering on the Quailburn hills was a harsh life. Interpretation panels detail some of the hardships endured. The Pot sheep-dip remains, with the yards and race still standing.

Remains of  the original ‘out station’ hut for Benmore Station is located close to the start of the Quailburn Bush Track. It is thought to have been occupied by a married couple in 1878-79.

The foundation blocks are scattered amongst long grass.

To find the original hut site and the stock track,  you need to walk uphill for five minutes beside the Quailburn stream.

Historic East Branch Ahuriri (Quailburn) Hut

The East Ahuriri was once part of Benmore Run, which by 1892 had nine mustering huts. It could possibly have been built between the late 1870s and early 1890s. It is sited in remote river valley setting.

The hut has regional significance for its role in high country pastoral farming. It is a very good example of a classic high country mustering hut.

The hut is located on the true left of the Ahuiri River East Branch below Quailburn Saddle. One roomed hut 4.4m x 2.9m of beech pole construction clad in Comet brand corrugated iron with Lino lead head nails. Between the iron and the beech poles tar impregnated paper lining has been placed.

The hut has an earth floor and six-beech pole netting bunks. The chimney in the south wall is iron but is unsafe. The door is cedar. The only modern element is a three-pane louvre window in the west end gable. It is possible that this replaced an earlier window, as it is the only one in the building.

The hut will be maintained to protect its historic fabric and minimise deterioration.

Historic Hideaway Hut

Hideaway Hut, also tucked away in Ahuriri Conservation Park, has preserved our farming history in an interesting fashion. Read more about Hideaway Hut. 

Getting there 

Quailburn historic site is part of Ahuriri Conservation Park and is located at the end of Quailburn Road, near Omarama. Access to this site is extremely good with car parking right next to the woolshed itself.