Building began in Feb., 1927, & was completed in 1928. It was built by the Mt Balloon Scenic Reserve Board to encourage outdoor recreation in the area. In 1977, the then NZFS built a replica 12-bunk hut on the site keeping to the same basic design. It was renovated during April, 2013, with the help of the Nelson Tramping Club (NTC). Roofing iron was removed, repainted, re-papered & then replaced. Only the corrugated iron & some of the tin (walls) is from the original hut. Painted by NTC members, late November, 2024. Edit Hut