You have probably seen my posts about Westies Hut and about that section of the South Coast Track. We have stayed in the remarkable hut in a sea cave at Price’s harbour – and hope to do so again, next time for a slightly longer period, despite the sandflies. I doubt we will be staying for 8 years though, as Owen West its eponymous ‘creator’ who has recently died did. Though the hut was begun by Southland fisherman ‘Slack’ Dawson much of the final construction was done by Westie and more recently much work has been done by Cliff and Ann McDermott of Invercargill and others.
Once the lockdown ends and we can go to NZ again we will be heading for the South Coast Track again or the Dusky, moose hunting.
Some Westie’s Hut eye candy:
The hut is situated below this magnificent view in Price’s Harbour.
It is a (relatively) steep climb down.
One of the first signs of habitation seen is the water collection set-up. Instructions on the blue drum.
The hut/s are deep inside this large cave. There are many caves around about.
First view of the ‘bunk house’ (wooden) and main hut (tin).
View past the hut to the sea.
Outside is one of the world’s finest toilets.
With this magnificent view.
Even better than Victoria’s ‘Twelve Apostles’ on its ‘Great Ocean Road’ I think.
The main hut is nested right at the mouth of the cave.
Some other views.
Inside the cave.
The water heater and shower set-up. All the ‘mod-cons’ here, but watch out for the sand-flies. They are rife in this cave.
Inside the main hut.
Looking behind ant past the bunk house to the cave entrance.
Inside the bunk house.
An excellent Obit to Owen West here: https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/121078319/tribute-to-a-true-outsider?fbclid=IwAR2SiI7nxVGZY62eUcXqm6dHTP50cG4nakmhsH0YDdHNccgWxme2MD8yGXA
See Also:
https://www.theultralighthiker.com/2016/04/12/westies-hut/
https://www.theultralighthiker.com/2018/01/17/south-coast-track-fiordland-nz-waitutu-to-westies/
https://www.theultralighthiker.com/2018/07/29/nzs-south-coast-track-westies-hut-to-cromarty/
Other Fiordland adventures mentioned above:
https://www.theultralighthiker.com/2020/03/25/from-dawn-to-dusky/
https://www.theultralighthiker.com/2020/01/08/the-lure-of-the-moose/
