Martin's hut, Turnbull hut.

Martin's hut 2017.

The Longwoods are a small forested conservation area inland from Riverton in western Southland. Most of the forest has been previously logged and the regenerating forest cover is mostly mixed hardwoods, particularly silver beech and kamahi, with some very large and healthy southern rata. The Longwoods are a basaltic igneous complex and were a gold mining area in the 1890's and early 20th century. A variety of other metallic minerals have also been recorded or worked here. Two huts remain in the range from the mining era, Turnbull hut at Big Dam, and Martin's hut. This area retains a number of water races from the mining, and the Te Araroa Trail passes through the Longwoods which has raised the profile of the area considerably.

Apart from TAT walkers, the Longwoods are mostly the domain of hunters. On a visit to Martin's hut on 20 Feb. 2017 the (newish) hut book had entries from 61 people for February, 55 of these entries were TAT walkers, (mostly SOBO's), there were 6 NZ parties out of 50 parties and a couple of these were TAT's. 

The hut is a gem, tidy and in excellent condition. Four bunks and mattresses. In contrast, Turnbull hut is in poor condition and gets little use (three bunks and mattresses).

Martin's hut, Longwood Conservation Area, 2017. Built as raceman's hut in 1905 and now used mainly by TAT walkers. Quickest access is from Cascade Road (4WD), 30-40 minutes to the hut.

We visited the huts as a day trip in February 2017. Cascade Road is not sign-posted and has a gate at the intersection with the Pourakino Valley Road but no rapid number. The road is well formed and 2WD standard for the first 3-4kms but is single track with soft verges and limited parking or turning places. About 1km after the first bridge there is a short rougher uphill section but this would be negotaible by most 4WDs in dry weather. Overhanging shrubs (gorse, broom) could scratch vehicle paintwork. There is parking at the start of the track to Martin's hut (DOC markers here). Initially a very rough 4WD track but after about 10 minutes a marked bush track leads uphill to the hut (30 minutes). 

From the hut a well marked but lightly maintained track/route follows old water races to Turnbull hut (2 hours). The route is generally easily followed but take care to pick up DOC markers. There are several stream crossings and windfalls to negotiate. Turnbull hut is adjacent to the old (now breached) Big Dam. We opted for lunch outside in the sun, the hut was gloomy and uninviting but would keep you dry in poor weather. 

The return trip took 30 minutes back to the road and we had a 40 minute walk back to the Martin's hut track. Two washouts along this section limit vehicle access. The first (a bridge washout) could be tricky after heavy rain.

All in all a good day-trip, one for the purists perhaps, certainly kiwi bush tramping rather that tourist terrain. Turnbull hut log book dated back 4 years, one year per page, about 25 visits, mostly hunters with a light sprinkling of day-trippers and overseas visitors. A good outing for hut-baggers like us!

Turnbull hut, in need of a bit of love!