John Tait Hut (old)Park: Nelson Lakes National ParkNelson/Tasman3/5Total ratings 3Category: Backcountry HutBunks: 6John Tait Hut (old) is located in Nelson Lakes National Park in the region of Nelson/Tasman. It has 6 bunks and the category of Backcountry Hut.The original hut that was at the junction of the Travers & Cupola tracks. Built by the Nelson Tramping Club (NTC) for 250 pounds, it was completed by Easter, 1951. Over a perfect Easter weekend 1951, the men worked long hours to erect the hut. Named after Scottish born, Nelson College teacher & president of the NTC, John Tait. Tait, aged 50, & his 3 daughters rowed the hut materials up the lake in a clinker dinghy over the summer of 1950/1951, & members of Marlborough Tramping Club & NTC carried loads of the prefabricated hut up the valley to the building site. The open fire that was on the right-hand end was removed in 1961 & a wooden floor added. The design was based on a Public Works design & it was drawn up by NTC member, Dave MacMorland. The wire-netting bunks squeaked when folks rolled over. It was removed in 1978 when the 27-bunk, 'John Tait Hut' was built 10 minutes downstream.Location:

Type	Location
New Zealand Topo50 Ref	BS24 803 525
Latitude Longitude	-41.979251 172.761698
NZTM Grid Reference	E1580257 N5352500

Elevation: 833Amenities: Heating, Mattresses, Toilets, Closed Fire, Wood StoveWater Source: Water body near hut

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