It became a coincidence that my first adventure after starting my thesis was in the Mātakitaki Valley. A valley that has a special place in my heart and was one of the places that inspired my passion for the outdoors, not only for its accessible beauty but for the memories I have collected there over the last decade.
My first journey into the valley was during my time as a student at Otago Boys High School between 2015 and 2019. The school has a lodge on the northern side of the Mātakitaki River which every student has the opportunity to visit, with no reception, immersed in the wilderness with only your mates to keep you company. To some, this is a challenge, but to others, it is a special week where the memories last a lifetime. Whether it’s the overnight hike up the east river branch, camping by the river, or the bone-chilling afternoon swims at Wishbone Falls, the valley is full of many outdoor activities that foster camaraderie and learning.
More recently, in 2023, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to be a teacher at Otago Boys High School. My tenure ended in a role as a support member on the school's leadership camp, an annual tradition that brings together Year 12 students who will be leaders of the school in the following year. Led by the incredible Mr. Scott, the week-long camp in the backcountry was not only a testament to the students' character but also a source of personal empowerment. As a relatively young teacher, I found myself inspired by Mr. Scott's leadership sessions and the insightful remarks from the students.
This particular trip started with a long bus ride from Dunedin (I drove myself up to do a hike once the boys came back home, to read part two of this trip click below). Upon arrival, the boys went through their usual activities to get the gear up to the lodge, except this time we didn’t let them head to their bunkrooms. Instead, they were each given a small tarp, 4 pegs, and 4 small lengths of rope, and the task was to find a spot away from the lodge to sleep overnight under the stars. Luckily for the boys, it was one of the warmer and peaceful nights of the year. This was a night to test the boy's Perseverance, a core value of the school.
After a rough night away from the lodge the following days were full of activities where they knew they had the comfort of the bunkrooms to go to each night. One particular highlight was the 8-meter leap into a hidden swimming hole up Raspberry Creek. Witnessing each student conquer their fears and take the plunge was a testament to their courage, another core value of the School.
On the second to last night of the trip we all hiked up to Aspiring hut with tents and gear to camp out near the hut. This was a great opportunity for the boys to venture further up the valley, working in teams to pitch tents and cook food. After an early rise, the group walked up the cascade saddle track to the bush line. A steep and rough climb was rewarded with a panoramic view of the valley below and Tititea/Mount Aspiring towering above. The school song was sung with power and pride before venturing back down to the valley floor and back to the lodge for one final night.
This trip to the lodge will forever hold a special place in my heart. It not only gave me the chance to revisit a cherished place but also allowed me to witness the transformative power of leadership within the backcountry. As I continue my exploration of backcountry architecture, I'm reminded of the profound impact these spaces have on our lives, shaping the narratives of generations to come. The Otago Boys High School Lodge stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of such places, where stories are woven, bonds are forged, and futures are shaped.
A huge thanks to Charlie, Emma, Andrew S, Andrew K, Mary, and Ben for being awesome fellow camp staff.
The Architecture
Opened in 1977, and designed by Mason and Wales architects the OBHS lodge embodies a harmonious blend of basic needs and comfort within the rugged and wild landscape of the southern Alps. The land was generously provided by the Aspinall family, three generations of Otago Boys High School from Mount Aspiring Station, the lodge stands as a testament to their enduring support for the school.
The main structure, a timber post and beam construction, was built by the hands of students including my father who attended the school between 1974-1978. Groups of students would go up to the valley and help build the lodge, even braving the colder months when snow would cover the valley. Staying in the Homestead at the southern end of the east branch, the students had to walk 5km to the building site each day.
Ever since its opening in 1977, the lodge has served a range of activities, even as accommodation for school ski trips to Treble Cone Ski field, only a short drive back towards Wānaka. My Grandma was often a camp mother on these early trips with Dad's younger brothers also attending the school. She particularly appreciated the thoughtful design of the boys' bunkroom doors, which opened onto a covered outdoor balcony, keeping the smell of the boys away from the living and staff spaces, and highlighting the unique considerations of backcountry architecture.
An important part of the site choice was privacy. The building is nestled into the bush line where it is only noticeable to those who are looking for it. A 10-minute walk from the road to the lodge ensures seclusion but poses challenges of transporting supplies up to the lodge. The walk also crosses Macphersons Creek, where even the smallest amount of rain can make it impassable, trapping several groups at the lodge in the past. But you could say that this is perfect for learning about the power of the great outdoors.
The two-story lodge can comfortably accommodate up to 40 people, equipped with flushing toilets and warm showers heated by a fire-fueled boiler. Water is collected from McPhersons Creek, and food is stored in 'The Cooler,' a separate stone structure utilizing thermal mass to preserve freshness. The woodshed houses firewood, kayaks, and tools, alongside the less beloved diesel generator.
In recent years the building has seen many changes and improvements. Due to its age and recently strengthened health and safety legislation, the lodge is no longer used during the winter months. However, the school is currently fundraising for a refurbishment project. “The refurbishment project seeks to insulate the building and upgrade cooking, sleeping, and ablution facilities to 21st-century standards. Excitingly, the project includes the implementation of solar and wind power generation as a sustainable alternative to the existing diesel generator. A learning room and environmental science lab are slated to be built sometime in the future.” (Donate to the Aspiring Lodge Project here).
The Otago Boys High School is a simple piece of architecture which I resonate a lot with. In 2022, for my undergraduate design project, I envisioned a lodge that would shape the future of outdoor education at OBHS. (To read more about this click 'view project' below). The lodge is a place where thousands of students have been able to experience the great outdoors in a way that not many other students get to do. While the building requires some urgent maintenance and upgrades, I am confident that the school will continue to provide this crucial outdoor education program in the Mātakitaki Valley for many years to come.
A huge Thanks to Mason and Wales Architects for providing me with the original drawings of the Lodge.
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