The iconic Mueller Hut in the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park has had a spruce up, which is no easy feat.
The hut sits at 1850 m and looks out over New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook. It was opened by Sir Edmund Hillary in 2003.
Department of Conservation contractors have just finished work on Mueller Hut putting in new windows and doors, replacing interior and exterior cladding and putting in new water tanks, all while working in extreme alpine conditions.
DOC project lead Rob Stewart says the job was insanely challenging due to gale force winds and snow.
"The weather was horrendous for us to be honest, apart from one day. We had sixteen loads of materials to helicopter in plus ten loads of people including gasfitters, plumbers, painters and builders. This was the biggest maintenance project on Mueller for over twenty years."
As well as work on the building itself, the team gave the inside a sandpaper, paint and polish, re-coating the tables, bench seats and other surfaces.
"Because it's such a mission getting up there, we wanted to make the most of it. We've future-proofed Mueller Hut with an upgrade to the gas system and water tanks and strengthened the hut structure. This building takes an unbelievable hammering from the elements, so we wanted to make sure we've maintained it to last for another 20 years at least," says Rob.
Maintaining and servicing alpine huts takes a big effort and Rob says they had an amazing group of trades staff on the job.
"The hut should be warmer and drier now with better insulation and cladding. Previously the windows leaked and you'd get snow drifts coming in the door."
DOC Aoraki/Mount Cook Operations Manager Sally Jones says the route to Mueller Hut is one of the most popular destinations in New Zealand outside the Great Walks. It's a challenging "stair climb" of around four hours one way and attracts numerous day walkers and visitors for overnight stays.
"It's an incredible place to go naturing up high. The views are phenomenal, looking straight out at Aoraki with the sun setting or at sunrise seeing the first rays of light in the morning. You need to be fit when you climb up there, but most visitors say it's well worth the effort," she says.
Mueller Hut is on the DOC booking system from 1 November to the end of April. Anyone wanting to visit should visit the DOC website for information.
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