Banfield Hut

Bruce Banfield Memorial Hut, Rakaia Valley

The first hut was built in 1946 up in the Jaggard Stream basin in memory of Bruce Banfield who lost his life in an avalanche descending from the White Col into the head of the Burnett Stream in August 1944 he was only 23 years of age. The hut was constructed with a lightweight timber framing covered with 7mm ply and sheathed with flat sheet aluminium. It was subsequently demolished about three years later by an avalanche.

The current hut was built in 1950 in more safe confines overlooking the Rakaia River where the Jaggard Stream emerges from the hills. Access to Banfield is either through the Lake Heron Station, contact Phillip Todhunter for permission as the hut is on their runholding. Or through Glenfalloch Station at the end of the road up the south bank of the Rakaia. Peaks in the area Bastion Peak 2441m, The Spires 2537 m, North Peak 2678m, Lawrence Peak 2473m, Jaggard Peak 2706m. This hut was revamped in 2003 and has 6 bunks with foam pads, ss bench top, area map, solar lighting, fire extinguisher and blanket, new outside toilet. The mountain radio is now installed at the Reischek Hut further up stream.

Approach through Glenfalloch Station stopping at the homestead to confirm permission for access past here. Car access over a small rise to the hay barn beyond is possible or if your vehicle has good ground clearance you can continue on the farm track to opposite the Downs Hut and park off the road. Cross the Lake Stream and follow the farm track up over Prospect Hill then about half way across the plateau a pack track veers off to the left to the point above Thompsons Hut then cuts back down into the Washbourne Stream, crossing the stream past the hut and keeping close to the base of the hill follow the grass flats below Jaggard Stream, from here the track follows (true right) above the stream to the hut.