Draft:Frampton's Hut

Frampton's Hut

Frampton's hut is a small, single storey building located in the Waima Forest in Northland, New Zealand. It is accessible by two hiking trails; known as "Six Foot Track" and "Hauturu Highpoint", respectively. The site is owned and maintained by the New Zealand Department of Conservation, DOC. The building is open to the general public, and may used without charge.

History

Frampton's hut was built between 1977 and 1984, originally to serve as a farmstead. The now-forested area that surrounds the hut was previously grassland, as the result of extensive logging operations. After farming and logging ceased in the area, DOC took ownership of the hut, and maintained it whilst the native bush regrew. Artifacts of the past farming activity are visible on the nearby hiking trails.

Layout

Frampton's hut contains six bare mattresses and accompanying beds - two bunk beds, and two single beds. These are available on a first-come first-served basis for overnight usage. The hut contains two rooms, a kitchen/living room, which is found immediately upon entering through the front door, and a smaller bedroom, which houses the two bunk beds and is found directly to the left upon entering. To the left of the door is a table with a guests' book to log visitations. The food preparation area and table are found to the right, with a supply of cleaning materials, canned goods, and non-potable tank water. Near the back door there are two single beds, both of which can be moved at the visitors' discretion, and a fireplace.

A substantial collection of firewood is kept in the back area, undercover. A bathtub is also present. A long-drop toilet is accessible in a separate cubicle up the hill behind the house, which does not provide toilet paper.

An area around the hut is kept free of trees, with a large grassy area in front. Both hiking trails are easily accessible from here; it is located very close to the intersection between the two.