In the heart of New Zealand's breathtaking wilderness, a unique volunteer army is emerging, dedicated to preserving the country's iconic hiking huts. These remote shelters, ranging from cozy two-person havens to a 54-bunk fortress, are scattered across the countryside, offering weary adventurers a respite from the elements. While some huts grace the renowned Milford and Routeburn tracks, others are nestled in secluded valleys, providing hikers with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and lush forests.
However, the sheer scale of this publicly owned network presents a challenge. The government cannot possibly maintain every hut, so ordinary Kiwis are taking matters into their own hands. Armed with cleaning supplies, they venture into the hills, driven by a desire to protect these cherished landmarks. Among them is Suzie Bell, a UK transplant who discovered the joy of 'tramping' in New Zealand. Her initial encounter with the huts left her in awe.
"The idea of these epic huts in the middle of nowhere, available for a nominal fee, was truly remarkable," she says. Most of these huts are accessible only by foot, and hikers bring their own food and dispose of their waste. Smaller huts, with four or fewer bunk beds, are even free to use. Bell praises the honesty box payment system, the sense of community among strangers, and the shared responsibility for keeping the huts clean.
Bell's commitment to giving back led her to join the 'Love our Huts' campaign alongside her family. This initiative, launched by the Federated Mountain Club (FMC), an outdoor recreation advocacy group, has garnered significant support, with over 300 people signing up. FMC's executive committee member, Liz Wightwick, emphasizes the value Kiwis place on these huts, viewing them as integral parts of their cultural heritage. She believes the campaign demonstrates the public's willingness to take care of these cherished structures.
New Zealand's hut network boasts a rich history, dating back to the late 1800s when they were initially constructed for gold mining, surveying, and mustering. Over time, they became essential for conservation efforts, serving as shelters for deer hunters and forestry workers. The late 1980s saw the unification of these huts under a national network, managed by the Department of Conservation.
This summer, volunteers have spruced up over 500 huts, including the Clark Hut in Fiordland national park, where psychologist Jo Clark and her daughters spent five hours cleaning. Freda Clark, 13, and her sister Ada, 11, diligently wiped down mattresses, cleaned windows, and removed surrounding weeds. According to Eamonn Whitham, the acting director of heritage and visitors at the conservation department, maintaining this vast network is a daunting task due to its size, remoteness, and the threat of severe weather.
"Without the dedicated efforts of enthusiastic New Zealanders, who generously contribute their time and energy, we would struggle to maintain our beloved huts and tracks," Whitham states. Many huts, like Top Otoroh Bivvy, are isolated and visited only a few times annually, making the volunteers' contributions even more significant. For some, like Bell, the initiative goes beyond hut maintenance; it's an opportunity to reconnect with family.
Bell and her children, Liam and James, embarked on a four-hour hike to reach A-Frame Hut in the Hakatere Conservation Park. Despite the challenge, they embraced the opportunity to tidy up, reflecting Bell's commitment to the Māori concept of kaitiakitanga, where guardianship of the environment entails safeguarding it for future generations. Amidst the global turmoil, Bell finds solace in taking actionable steps within her control, such as caring for the huts in her backyard.
