Crown Range ‘Turk’ (not a yurt, not a tank) is a prototype hut built by Erik Bradshaw, situated on Glencoe station out the back of Arrowtown. Built as a ski-touring base for his family, friends and backcountry travellers, it’s also perfectly situated for overnighting trampers. The solar panels power continuous ventilation, lighting and USB charge; this is a luxurious hut experience complete with hut slippers. Not to mention that the practicals (gas/cooker and utensils) and comforts (a heater and an armchair, carried up by Erik) are taken care of. If I were to add anything, it would be some art, but then you have the form of those surrounding hills and that light…! The longer way up (via Crown Peak) takes 3.5 hours, the short route direct from Bracken Gully up the spur, 2 hours. You could follow the range northward to reach Cardrona in another 4 hours, via Mt. Sale.
Crown Peak views of Wanaka (that bluey valley) and the Pisa range to the right.
Dave with Whittakers & whisky
