Martin's Hut

The place

Basic DOC hut with four bunks at 458 m in the Longwood Forest Conservation Area (Southland, near Invercargill and Riverton). Built in 1905 by Fred Mason to house workers maintaining the water infrastructure of gold-mining operations: it is one of only three surviving mining-era structures on public conservation land in Southland. Renovated in 2024 to address weather damage and wear (exterior cladding, interior flooring, fireplace, new deck). Open access, no charge. Approach via a marked trail from Cascade Road; possible to link to Turnbull's Hut and Round Hill via marked trail (difficult terrain). On the Te Araroa route: long-distance hikers must obtain the Te Araroa Trail Pass. During deer hunting season (March-April), wear high-visibility clothing. Map CG08, NZTM2000 E1203899, N4864030.