Barker Memorial Hut
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Hut
Hut
White Valley, Waimakariri Headwaters, 7875
Owned by the Canterbury Mountaineering Club (CMC)
ACCESS
Barker Memorial Hut is located at the head of the White River, roughly 4 hours from Carrington Hut (at the White-Waimakariri Rivers junction). From Hut, follow the track up the true right of the valley past a large slip, cross the White River, and continue on the same side. Midway, the hut becomes visible atop a 1500m bluff in the basin’s center. Approach by crossing the river at the bluff’s base, then ascend left around the bluff to join the final track to the hut. Note: The Clough cableway has been removed.
FACILITIES
- 10 bunks with foam mattresses. 4 doubles, 2 singles
- 9 bunks with foam mattresses.
- Stainless steel bench, rainwater tank, solar lighting, and area map.
- Fire extinguisher, fire blanket.
- Outside tank-drop toilet.
Rules
- Hut fees: Free for CMC members; $20/night for non-members.
- Camping fees: $10/night for non-members.
- DOC tickets are not valid for CMC huts.
- This is a non-bookable hut. Payment does not reserve you a bed.
- Secure the outside toilet door after use—high winds can destroy unlatched doors.
HISTORY
Built in 1980 as a memorial to Neville Barker, a CMC member killed in WWII, the hut replaced the original 1945 structure (funded by the Barker family). The first hut, prone to snow burial, stood near the tarn’s southern end. Materials for the current hut were flown in by helicopter, a stark contrast to the 1945 effort, where 45 members carried supplies over three days from Klondyke Corner.
CLIMBS IN THE AREA
- Peaks: Mt Murchison (2408m), Mt Davie (2280m), Mt Wakeman (2271m), Mt Harper (2222m).
- Extended Routes: Traverse White Col into the Burnet Valley, descend to the Wilberforce River, then climb to Park Morpeth Memorial Hut.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
- Clean the hut before leaving
- Pack out all rubbish
- Close and latch all windows and door upon departure
- Report maintenance needs to the CMC huts team: [email protected]
- Respect the hut’s remote, alpine environment.
- Weather conditions can change rapidly—plan accordingly.
Free for members
Non-members: $20 night
- Owned by the CMC.
- This is a non-bookable hut.
- Use is on a first-come, first-served basis.
- All hut fees go back into hut maintenance.
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