Martin's Hut
Located in Longwood Forest Conservation Area in the Southland region
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Introduction
This is a basic four-bunk hut in the Southland area. It is a gold-mining era hut built in 1905.Facilities
- Heating
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Heritage
Martin’s Hut was built in 1905 by Fred Mason to house a water race maintenance worker. Racemen were employed by mining companies to maintain the race and ensure a steady supply of water for mining operations.
These men often lived by themselves in isolated environments. They faced an ongoing battle to clear fallen trees and branches, and to repair flood damage. Martin’s Hut is one of three gold mining era huts remaining on public conservation land in Southland. Get more information on gold mining and Martin's Race.
Further reading
Hall-Jones, J. (1982) Goldfields of the South (Craig Printing Co.).
Petchey, P. (1999) Longwoods Archaeological Survey: Port’s Water Race, Martin’s Water Race, Berndtson’s Water Race (Unpublished Report for the Department of Conservation).
Fees
Free
Access is by unmarked route off the Cascade Road. It is possible to walk between Martin’s and Turnbull’s huts, and from there to Round Hill with good route finding skills.
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: CG08
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates :E1203899, N4864030
For your safety during March and April, the 'roar' (deer hunting season), you should wear hi-viz clothing and pack covers when tramping in the area.
Contacts
| Murihiku / Invercargill Office | |
| Phone: | +64 3 211 2400 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | invercargill@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
7th Floor CUE on Don 33 Don Street Invercargill 9810 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 743 Invercargill 9840 |
| Full office details | |