Imagine stepping into a breathtaking adventure where you can contribute to the preservation of New Zealand's stunning landscapes. In this picturesque country, scattered throughout its vast wilderness are hiking huts—from cozy two-person shelters to impressive fortresses accommodating up to 54 guests—offering weary travelers a refuge to rest and recharge. These huts are strategically located along renowned trails like the Milford and Routeburn tracks, as well as in some of the most secluded valleys imaginable, boasting views of majestic snow-capped mountains and thriving native bush.
However, maintaining this extensive network of publicly owned huts is beyond the capacity of government resources alone. This is where the spirit of community shines brightly, as everyday New Zealanders step up, packing their backpacks with cleaning supplies and trekking into the hills to perform essential maintenance on these beloved structures.
Among these dedicated volunteers is Suzie Bell, who made the journey from the UK to New Zealand in 2010. It was during her early days here that she discovered the joy of tramping, or hiking, and she vividly recalls her astonishment upon encountering one of these huts for the first time. "The fact that there are these epic huts in the middle of nowhere that you can go and stay in for next to nothing, I was just blown away," she reflects.
Most of these huts can only be reached on foot, meaning that trampers must carry their own food while also taking responsibility for removing their litter. The smaller huts, which accommodate four or fewer bunk beds, are available to use free of charge.
"I love the honesty box payment system in huts, the fact that everyone cleans up after themselves, and the wonderful strangers you meet who join you for dinner, play cards, and share stories," Bell shares enthusiastically.
With a desire to give back, Bell and her family joined the "Love our Huts" cleaning campaign, an initiative launched by the Federated Mountain Club (FMC), a group advocating for outdoor recreation in New Zealand. To date, more than 300 individuals have signed up to participate in this effort, according to FMC.
"People truly value our huts; they are an integral part of our cultural heritage, and we want them to endure for generations to come," says Liz Wightwick, a member of FMC's executive committee and an avid tramper. "This campaign clearly demonstrates that individuals are eager to take care of their huts."
Across New Zealand, there are over 950 huts. The origins of these structures date back to the late 1800s, when they were built for purposes like gold mining, surveying, and mustering sheep. Over time, their function has evolved to serve conservation needs, acting as shelters for deer hunters and forestry workers. In the late 1980s, these huts were unified under a single national management network, overseen by the Department of Conservation.
This summer, thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteers, more than 500 huts have been revitalized. Jo Clark, a psychologist, along with her two daughters, embarked on a five-hour hike equipped with rubber gloves, newspapers for window cleaning, and eco-friendly cleaning sachets to help spruce up Clark Hut in Fiordland National Park.
"My sister Ada and I wiped down mattresses, cleaned the windows, and pulled out weeds surrounding the hut. It’s important because these huts don’t really get cleaned unless people like us step in to do it," says 13-year-old Freda Clark.
Maintaining this vast hut network presents significant challenges, particularly due to its remote locations and the potential for severe weather conditions, explains Eamonn Whitham, the acting director of heritage and visitors at the conservation department.
"We could not sustain our network without the enthusiastic efforts of New Zealanders who dedicate their time and energy to keep our cherished huts and tracks safe and well-maintained," he emphasizes.
Many of these huts are isolated and see limited visitation, such as Top Otoroh Bivvy, which Wightwick cleaned after enduring an eight-hour hike into the Kelly Ranges. For volunteers like Bell, this initiative transcends mere maintenance; it serves as a valuable opportunity to reconnect with family amid the beauty of nature.
After a rigorous four-hour trek through rolling tussock hills to reach A-Frame Hut in the Hakatere Conservation Park—a formidable challenge for young children—Bell and her boys, Liam, age five, and James, age seven, eagerly got to work tidying up.
"I always strive to teach my kids the importance of leaving things better than we found them, and doing something nice for the next person who visits," Bell explains.
She believes this ethos embodies the Māori principle of kaitiakitanga, which signifies stewardship of the environment, ensuring that we protect it for those who come after us.
"With so many daunting issues occurring globally, it can feel overwhelming. Yet, I firmly believe in focusing on the small things within our control that we can improve," she states with conviction. "For instance, we can make a difference by caring for the huts right in our own backyard."
But here’s where it gets controversial: should the government allocate more resources to maintain these facilities, or is community involvement the best approach? What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
