ALPINE HUT

Hokitika Guardian, 31 December 1931, Page 3

ALPINE HUT

IN GLORIOUS SETTING. Writing from Fox Glacier, Guide Alack supplies the following interesting pen picture of the setting for the newly erected alpine hut;— ‘-We have just finished a new hut- for use for this .season, within easy four hours walking of the Fojc Glacier Hostel. On going up to the Hut, one. keeps in the bed of a creek ail the way, passing a number of picturesque water falls en route, which one gladly welcomes on a hot day. The Hut is situated at an altitude of 4,000 feet. From here spreads great panorama of country rising to an extensive upland, green and thickly wooded, with snow clad tops; also the Hostel can be seen from here, and it is quite a novelty to flare to them at night and •them to flare back ito us. “Xmas morning, after one and a half hours of very easy climbing, one finds oneself standing on the top of Craig’s Peak, 7,000 feet high. With all my climbing experience, I honestiy think that, this is the finest view point in New Zealand. From here one can see over 200 miles of forest clad Coast, dotted with Lakes, glistening like jewels, from Jacksons Bay ■to Greymouth. The heads of Franz and Fox glaciers can be seen also. .Looking south, almost at one’s feet lies Balfour and La Perouse glaciers, probably the two finest little glaciers in Zealand, and lower down ties the Cook River'Gorge. This part of the country is very little known and has been seen by only a few. Tlhe new Hut is so placed that this new territory is'within easy reach for young and old. ' Craig’s Peak is situated on the Fox range, a range which offshoots from the western shoulder of Mt. Tasman. Undoubtedly from here one obtains the most magnificent alpine view in New Zealand with Tasman and Cook in the foreground, appearing to be only a stone’s throw away. Only a climber knows, the glory of an alpine sun rise, and seen from here iit is absolutely beyond description. We have decided to name this Hut ADpine IGarden Hut, because it is right amidst the alpine flora of all descriptions, with R. Lyalii and orisio mycropheto .predominating. Nojneed to feel lonely at nights. It .seems that this place is a strong-hold or Ithe last haunt for the Keas and the Weka i(Maori hen). Seeing is believing". GUIDE ALACK.