In 1917 the Tourism Department bought a portable hut from a nearby prison camp. In March, 1918 the Ruapehu Ski Club (RSC) moved the hut to a site thanks to a team of bullocks. In 1921, the RSC bought a second hut, which was moved by a team of horses. The two huts were joined together to create two rooms & a verandah was added. William Mead, who had pioneered skiing in Tongariro was involved in transporting both huts. Full photo credit is: Mangatepopo Hut, Tongariro National Park. Hunter, Thomas Alexander (Sir), 1876-1953: Albums & photographs. Ref: PAColl-4407-1-01. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22884557 Edit Hut