Park Morpeth Memorial Hut
Share
Hut
Hut
Wilberforce Valley, Confluence of Cronin Stream, 7572
Owned by the Canterbury Mountaineering Club (CMC)
Access
Located at the confluence of the Wilberforce and Cronin Streams (approx. 900m elevation), Park Morpeth Memorial Hut serves as a key shelter on the classic Three Pass Route from Canterbury to the West Coast, traversing Browning Pass (1411m). For access via Glenthorne Station, contact Jamie or Thelma at 03 318 58014 prior to arrival.
Facilities
- 6 bunks with foam mattresses.
- Stainless steel bench, rainwater tank, solar lighting, and area map.
- Fire extinguisher, fire blanket.
- Outside long-drop toilet.
Rules
- Fees: Free for CMC members; $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.
History
Built in 1931 to honor James Park and John Morpeth, who drowned in the swift flowing Burnett Stream (a Wilberforce tributary). Materials for the hut were initially packed in via horse from Mt Algidus Station by Larry and Bill Burrows—relatives of current CMC member Colin Burrows. The hut was later relocated to its current site by club members hauling supplies over Harman Pass (1321m) and Whitehorn Pass (1753m).
Climbs in the Area
- Pamperos Cairn (1880m)
- Mt Marion (2145m)
- Mt Rosamond (2186m)
- Mt Isobel (2036m)
- Mt Davie (2280m)
The Three Pass Route (including Browning Pass) remains an iconic multi-day alpine traverse.
Additional Notes
- Respect Runholders if coming up the Wilberforce if coming up from Glenthorne Station.
- 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: $10 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.
Share on
Other accommodation options
Hut
Cameron Hut
This basic 9 bunk alpine hut is located at the head of the Cameron Valley beneath
the Arrowsmith Ranges. The hut allows climbs of classic Arrowsmith peaks such as
Arrowsmith, Jagged, Upham and Couloir and many more. It can also be used for a
crossing into the South Branch of the Ashburton River.
Members: Free
Non-members: $20 per night
Hut
Banfield Memorial Hut
This basic 6 bunk hut is located in the lower Rakaia River valley. Its location adjacent to
Jagged Stream make it ideal for climbs of Arrowsmith peaks from the head of the
Jagged. The hut is also used as a rest spot for longer trips up to the head of the
Rakaia.
Members: Free
Non-members: $10 per night
Hut
Lyell Hut
This 8 bunk hut is located in the headwaters of the Rakaia River. The hut gives access to the
Ramsay Glacier climbs of Mt Whitcombe and Mt Evans, Lyell Glacier climbs of Mt
Nicholson and Heim Plateau climbs of Malcom Peak and Mt Blair. All these peaks
are part of the long history of the CMC.
Members: Free
Non-members: $25 per night
