Davey Gunn facts for kids

David John Gunn, often called Davey or Davy, was a famous New Zealander. He was born on September 18, 1887, and passed away on December 25, 1955. Davey was well-known for helping people explore the beautiful Hollyford Track. He was a farmer and a skilled bushman. He even raised his cattle in the wild Hollyford Valley in Fiordland, New Zealand.

Who Was Davey Gunn?

Davey Gunn was the fourth of five children. His parents, Isabella and Alexander Gunn, were from Scotland. His father, Alexander, was a shepherd who ran a large sheep farm in Central Otago.

Early Life and Farming

For his high school years, David lived with his aunts on their farm near Waimate. After school, he briefly worked as a clerk for an agricultural company. But he soon realized this wasn't for him. He preferred working on the farm and later managed it. In 1918, he trained for the military during World War I. However, the war ended before he could be sent to fight.

On July 10, 1919, Davey married Ethel May Willetts. They had two daughters, Isabel and Dorothy, and a son, Murray. His wife took their children to Oamaru for their schooling. Davey would visit his family a couple of times a year.

Life in the Hollyford Valley

In 1926, Davey Gunn bought land in the Hollyford Valley. This area had been mapped by George Gunn back in 1861. Davey bought more land in 1929, just before the Great Depression started. He then moved to the valley and set up his home at Deadman's Hut. This hut was right on the banks of the Hollyford River. Davey worked hard to create many useful tracks and built huts in the wilder parts of his land.

The Fox Moth Rescue

Davey Gunn became famous on December 30, 1936. He saw a small plane, a de Havilland Fox Moth, crash into the sea at Big Bay. He quickly went to help the injured passengers. He traveled about 90 kilometers (56 miles) in just 21 hours! This journey usually took four days. Because of his amazing speed and bravery, he received a King George VI Coronation Medal the next year.

Guiding on the Hollyford Track

In 1936, Davey started guiding tramping (hiking) groups along his Hollyford Track. He continued to do this until he passed away in 1955. Davey was known for being friendly and welcoming. People loved his charm and respected him for his amazing bushcraft skills. He had lots of energy and knew the area incredibly well.

A Sad End and Lasting Legacy

On Christmas Day in 1955, Davey Gunn was crossing the Hollyford River on horseback. A 12-year-old boy was riding behind him. The horse stumbled and fell. Both Davey and the boy were swept away by the strong current and sadly drowned. Davey Gunn's body was never found.

After his death, his son, Murray, continued to guide hikers in the area. Murray also started "Gunn's Camp." This camp is a rest-stop for hikers and has a store and a small museum. It is still there today, near the southern end of the track. It's also close to the highway that goes between Milford Sound and Te Anau.

Images for kids

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  A bridge on Gunn's Hollyford Track

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  Mount Tūtoko, Hollyford Track