Urquhart's Hut

The place

Basic six-bunk DOC hut at 738 m in Craigieburn Forest Park (North Canterbury). Built in 1933 by four unemployed men from Ashburton during the Great Depression, as part of a government gold-prospecting scheme that proved unsuccessful. Notable heritage listing. Beech pole frame, corrugated iron cladding, two hessian bunks, river water, long-drop toilet. Open access, free of charge. Approached via the braided Wilberforce valley with multiple river crossings; permission from Glenthorne Station required if not using the riverbed directly. Do not attempt a crossing in flood or at unsafe entry and exit points.