Cow Creek Hut

Cow Creek hut was built in 1960 by the NZ Forest Service during the hut building program to support the deer culling operations in the forest park. The hut is one of 14 6 bunk S70 type Forest Service huts that were built along with 6 2 person “dog box” type bivouacs.

The hut is still largely the same design of the original S70 type huts built by the NZFS, apart from replacement of the open fireplace with an internal wood burner.

The Great Wellington Backcountry Network have an agreement with DOC to manage the hut.

Cow Creek May 2022

Cow Creek has been recently repainted to original NZFS colours used when the hut was built in 1960.

Cow Creek hut 2018

Cow Creek 1970s Cow Creek hut in the 1970s. Initial colour was the standard Forest Service “Orange”. (actually Tangerine) A standard “Dog box” bivouac was also provided to store food and gear supplies for deer culling parties. (Photo Joe Hansen)

Below – Cow Creek tent camp. The early deer cullers used tent camps for their home during the culling season. For a time, culling operations continued through the winter months. (photo Noel Frazer collection)