What if a humble hut could tell tales of rugged landscapes and the spirit of a hunting guide? That’s Stan’s Hut. This isn’t just a shelter. It’s a legacy etched into the Spencer Range.
Stan’s Hut owes its existence to Stan Peterson. He was a Westland hunting guide and a foundation member. Stan was also a concession holder. He understood the need for a comfortable base in the high-rainfall Whataroa Valley.
Imagine Stan in 1985. He applied for permission to build a hut high on the Spencer Range. He was quickly granted permission. Stan’s Hut began as a solution to accommodate his clients. Stan wanted a better alternative to a tent camp.
Time passed and Stan’s guiding days ended. He gifted Stan’s Hut to SCINZ. Since then, SCINZ and DOC have worked to maintain it. SCI recently completed an upgrade.
Stan’s Hut has served as a base for hunts. SCINZ members have bagged notable chamois trophies nearby. The terrain is rugged and magnificent.
Finding Stan’s Hut is quite the adventure. There are no maintained tracks. Foot visits have been rare. Most hunters fly in. In 2022, only two walk-in visits were noted in the hutbook. These records go back to 2007. James Thornton and Nina Dickerhof made two trips in late ’22 and August ’24.
Let’s talk about the hut itself. Stan originally built it in 1985. It was a basic shed-type structure. It had four bunks, a side window, and a front window. The hut featured a wooden frame. Flat iron clad the walls and roof.
Years after Stan gifted it, the hut began to leak. DOC planned to pull it down. In 2007, custodian Garry Mullings led a team to affix a new steel tray roof and new trusses. They used the old roof material to build an enclosed porch. The main door was shifted out into this porch. The hut roof interior was also lined.
In 2022, a solar panel and battery were fitted. Internal and porch LED lights and USB ports were installed. There’s even a toilet with great views. Water comes from a small creek nearby.
Today, Stan’s Hut is in good condition. In 2022, a joint NZDA/SCI project carried out a complete external paint. New stainless tie-downs and anchors were installed. These were re-dug and concreted. The toilet also benefited from new tie-downs and a repainted door.
Stan’s Hut might lean a bit downhill. However, it is hardly noticeable. Gary thinks it could do with leveling at some point.
Inside, Stan’s Hut is well-provisioned. You’ll find cutlery, crockery, pots, and pans. There is a camp oven and toilet paper. Salt is also available. A first aid kit, broom, and shovel are on site.
Stan’s Hut stands as a testament to one man’s vision. It is a haven for hunters. It offers stunning views of the Whataroa and Perth valleys. So, take a moment to appreciate Stan’s Hut. It’s more than just a structure. It’s a story etched in the landscape.