Honeycomb Hut Restoration

In February 2023, the Buller Office of the Department of Conservation contacted the Nelson Speleological Group to say that unless cavers were prepared to undertake the restoration of the Honeycomb Hill Cavers Hut, they were going to have to remove the Hut. They had no funding available to undertake the work that was required.

The Honeycomb Cavers Hut was built in 1983 by the local Buller Caving Group with the support of the NZ Forest Service (predecessor to DOC), as a base to visit and explore the nearby Honeycomb Hill Cave. The Cave was discovered in 1976. Since then, 14 km of passages have been mapped. Honeycomb Hill Cave is recognised as an internationally significant fossil site, and the immediate area is designated a Specially Protected Area to protect the extensive subfossil deposits.

As a result of the threat of Hut removal by DOC, NSG members requested the most recent DOC Maintenance Survey and photos of the condition of the Hut.

Cavers from around the country expressed support in retaining the Hut and interest in helping to carry out the repairs identified in this DOC Survey. The NZSS Cave Conservation and Access Trust (NZSS CCAT) agreed to be the umbrella organisation overseeing this project.

DOC representatives indicated that the repair work needed to be carried out as soon as possible, so, after an initial visit, a budget was prepared and fund raising initiated. NZSS CCAT quickly reached the funding target, thanks to all those who most generously donated to this project.

During 2023 and 2024 NZSS members from Nelson, Christchurch and the Manawatu carried out six restoration trips to Honeycomb Hut; the final one in Dec 2024.

All of the Hut restoration work was funded and undertaken by NZSS volunteers.

The hut was completely re-roofed
The hut was repainted inside and out
New bunks in each of the bedrooms were built and installed
The old kitchen unit was removed and a purpose-built unit installed
A new wood-burning stove and chimney were installed
A new steel wood box was built and delivered
The damaged interior ceiling lining was removed and replaced
The deck was repaired and extended, and fitted with non-slip plastic mesh
A new polycarbonate skylight window was installed
Insect screens on the bedroom windows were installed
A woodshed was constructed
A new inside dining table and a new outside table were built
Numerous coat hooks were installed both inside and out

In December 2024, our installation of the new stove and chimney was approved by the Buller District Council.

NZSS CCAT now has a Community Agreement with the Department of Conservation for this restoration work and the ongoing maintenance of the Hut.

How can you visit Honeycomb Hill Cave and stay at the Honeycomb Hut?

NZSS Members can apply to DOC Karamea to visit Honeycomb Hill cave. Up to two permits will be issued for any given day, with a maximum party size of 4 for each. All party members visiting Honeycomb Hill Cave must be NZSS members and over 15 years of age. Groups going into the Cave are required to be led by an NZSS approved party leader for Honeycomb Hill Cave. An approved leader must be experienced and well-informed about the Cave, to ensure the protection of the Cave fossil sites and the enjoyment of their visit.

If you would like to use the Honeycomb Hill Hut, the party leader can arrange with DOC Karamea to pick up the Hut key. The Hut comfortably sleeps six, has two bunk rooms, and a large central room with a wood burner, a kitchen work bench and sink, a dining table and bench seating. The Hut has pots, pans, utensils, plates and mugs, plus kitchen cleaning supplies.

Greenlink land project

NZSS Cave Conservation and Access Trust