Video: Helicopter gives DOC hut a lift to new site

The NH90 flies off to pick up the hut (Supplied)
The NH90 flies off to pick up the hut (Supplied)

A Department of Conservation (DOC) hut at risk of slipping down Mt Fell in Marlborough has been picked up and moved to safer ground.

The 1700kg structure was flown about 300m away from its original location on Thursday by a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) helicopter.

Video: Helicopter gives DOC hut a lift to new site

(NZDF / Supplied)

Air Component Commander Air Commodore Darryn Webb said the NH90 was the only one in the country with the ability to relocate the hut.

"No civilian helicopter can carry out the task in one lift due to the weight of the hut and the altitude of its location, which is over 1220m above sea level," he explained.

"The range of capabilities inherent in the NH90 enables it to perform a wide range of tasks, including airlifting heavy loads such as this."

Video: Helicopter gives DOC hut a lift to new site

(NZDF / Supplied)

DOC says the six-bunk hut needed to be moved because it was at risk of sliding into the mountain bush below, on account of it resting on an active slip.

The structure will be closed until Christmas to give volunteers time to build up its foundations and ensure it can once more be safely accommodated.

Constructed just over 50 years ago, the hut is a kilometre beneath the summit of Mt Fell, with a ridge just above offering expansive views of Nelson, the Wairau Plains and Wellington.

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