Murchison Hut History
History Timeline
2011 -
2010 -
2009 -
2008 - Decision made not to carry out major work on the hut and plan for replacement within ten years.
2007 -
2006 -
2005 - Concerns raised over moisture levels inside the hut.
2004 - Agreement signed with the Department of Conservation for management of the hut.
2003 - Major work party completed by the North Otago Section.
2002 -
2001 -
2000 -
1999 -
1998 -
1997 -
1996 -
1995 -
1994 -
1993 -
1992 -
1991 -
1990 -
1989 -
1988 -
1987 -
1986 -
1985 -
1984 -
1983 -
1982 -
1981 -
1980 -
1979 - Hut constructed.
Old Murchison HutDoC Summary and Inspection Report 2001
De La Beche hut was built in 1979. It has a very strong subfloor and foundation incorporating large steel beams which both support and brace the hut with secure connections to the rock base. Current remedial work has been estimated at $3030. The major item of work is replacement of the existing toilet which is in very poor condition. Other work includes providing extra support for the add-on deck and fixing damage in the north wall caused by a leak.
No future remedial work has been included.
No condition reports have been issued.
Location: De La Beche Hut is located in Mt Cook National Park up beside the Tasman glacier on the true right side. It is near the bottom of the De La Beche ridge above the confluence of the Tasman and Rudolf glaciers. It is at an elevation of 1430m.
Flooring and Decking: The porch and deck area is presently poorly supported. Some areas of the decking are spanning too far without adequate support and there are unbraced support posts. Connections to support members are also weak. This area basically needs rationalising which could be sorted out by a well qualified carpenter.
Solution: Add joist at south end of deck at D2. Add bolts or nailplate connections to joints. Add braces to posts. Add brackets to bottom of posts and bolt them to the supporting rock, $340.
Wall Structure: A leak in the north wall has caused extensive damage to wall framing in this vicinity. The lining needs to be stripped out and all rotten timber framing replaced.
The leak may have already been fixed when the new radio was installed a year ago, however when the lining is stripped back, a careful look should be made to try to determine the actual source of the leak.
Solution: Strip wall lining and replace affected wall framing timber. Preferably use H3 framing instead of H1 for further protection in case of further leaks, $240.
Interior Linings: Plywood lining on north end wall has rotted due to a leak in this area - refer D3 Wall Structure.
Solution: Replace lining with new treated plywood lining (marine plywood), $160.
Water Supply: The No. 1 tank is broken.
The No. 2 tank has not been connected up.
Solution: The No. 1 tank could be replaced by the No. 2 tank, $30.
Toilet: There is no ventilation pipe to the toilet and there is a bad smell. DOC means of compliance recommends vented toilets. The steel roof cladding is mostly missing, there is a hole in the roof with a resulting leak inside the toilet which has caused the floor to rot. There is no steel cladding to the exterior walls, hence the plywood cladding is rotting. Some studs and rafters are either loose or broken. In summary the toilet is in such bad shape that it makes more economical sense to replace it rather than carry out any repairs.
Solution: Replacement VIP toilet, $2260.
