Sefton Bivouac
Located in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park in the Canterbury region
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Introduction
Sefton Bivouac is the oldest hut in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park still on its original site and the oldest building in the wider environs of the park. It has served generations of climbers.Facilities
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
This bivouac is situated 1650m below the Footstool, a mountain on the main divide of the Southern Alps. It has a commanding view from its lookout perch, close to the big ice cliffs of Te Waewae Glacier.
Sefton Bivouac is the oldest hut in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park still on its original site and the oldest building in the wider environs of the park. It has served generations of climbers.
History
First Sefton Bivouac circa 1917
Aoraki/Mount Cook chief guide Peter Graham decided to build a small hut above the Te Waewae Glacier, to make climbing Sefton and Footstool easier.
Materials were carried to the site on men’s backs and the hut erected on site. It was designed to sleep three or four people. The year after it was built it was damaged by snow. It was repaired, and has remained in much the same condition since.
This is a very simple structure but it has survived remarkably well and continues to be used regularly.
Fees
Free
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BX15
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1364422, N5158673
The route to Sefton Biv is unmarked. Route finding and moving through steep terrain (with high consequence of falls) are required to reach the biv.
Reaching the biv in winter requires a good level of mountaineering experience, route finding skills and avalanche knowledge.
Call in to the Aoraki/Mount Cook Visitor Centre for advice on conditions.
Contacts
| Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 3 435 1186 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | mtcookvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
1 Larch Grove Aoraki/Mt Cook |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 5 Aoraki/Mt Cook 7946 |
| Full office details | |