Old Kime Hut, (20 bunks), was built in 1978, to replace the Kime Memorial Hut, built 1930 by Joe Gibbs for the TTC as a memorial to Esmond James Kime. It was a club-owned public hut in the Tararua Forest Park, and
provided shelter and a ski hut, on the tops of the Southern Crossing, below Field Peak.
The front of Kime Hut, August 2003
It could sleep 20-30 comfortably, but forty adult sized bodies (at a squeeze). When inside the hut, one looked for the hidden loft, great fun trying to climb up there! (ahem...dodgy...)
Kime Hut near Mt Hector
Work began on a replacement for Old Kime Hut, on a site just to the south.
In 2014 Kime III was completed and signed off, after the hut failed a council "code compliance" because the window flashings did not follow the specifications.
Having no stove, it is still somewhat cold and damp.
Nevertheless it's layout, window configuration, insulation, and greater size make it a great improvement over Old Kime Hut.
Kime III, April 2014
Esmond James Kime is buried at Karori Cemetery.
See Papers Past:
Kime Hut is a Standard hut, located at -40.942889, 175.271659. It has 20 bunks with mattresses, toilets - non-flush, water from tap - not treated, boil before use, and water supply. Bookings are not required, usage is first come, first served.Kime Hut alert
Ōtaki Gorge Road closed to vehicles and pedestrians
Ōtaki Gorge Road is closed to vehicles and pedestrians due to a major slip. Camping is available at Boielles Campsite but for foot access only.
There is an emergency track that you can walk to gain access to Ōtaki Forks. It is 5 km long and can be accessed 200 m past the locked gate on the Ōtaki Gorge Road.
