The second of five 'Pioneer' structures. The first structure, Pioneer Bivvy, was a corrugated iron biv built in 1933/34. It was replaced in March, 1953 by this the first Pioneer Hut. The hut measured 4m x 3m & was built a few metres in front of the existing biv. Building materials were air-dropped on-site in Dec., 1952 & Jan., 1953 by the Royal NZ Air Force. Canterbury Mountaineering Club member & builder, Stan Muirson led the build, alongside 4 others. This hut was destroyed by rockfall on 7 Jan., 1963, killing Gilbert Murray. It was subsequently replaced by the third structure (second Pioneer Hut) higher up at 2550m. Edit Hut