Stanley Vale Hut
St James Conservation Area
An historic farming homestead on the Stanley Vale Run, built by Joseph Young about 1866. The hut is built of timber, mud, and horsehair, with two rooms. DOC had been managing the hut as a day shelter, and had emptied out the bunkroom. However, there are currently a couple of informal bunks installed. The charming hut overlooks the wide grassy plain of Stanley Vale.
William Longney Fowler, a Gloucestershire farmer, held the run here from 1866 to 1892. His son of the same name was born here in 1872. He once broke his leg, rode to Hanmer to have it attended, found the doctor to be out, and immediately returned to the backcountry. William's brother was called Stanley, after William Sr's home town of Leonard Stanley.
Further notes on William Fowler Sr: http://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/tm/scholarly/tei-Cyc03Cycl-t1-body1-d6-d27-d2.html#name-422532-mention

Owner
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Owner: DOC |
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Category
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Basic Hut/Bivvy |
Sleeps
|
Sleeps 7
7
|
Facilities
|
Toilet, Open fireplace |
Water supply
|
No water |
Getting there
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Stanley River Track from the south, Fowler Pass Track from the east, or via Lake Guyon in the north. The hut is 1 hour's walk from Lake Guyon Hut. |
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Unlocked
|
This hut is unlocked and open to access. |
Bookings
|
No bookings — open access
No — open access
|
Altitude
|
880m |
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Mobile phone coverage
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No coverage |
Maps
|
NZTopo50-BT24
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