Wairarapa Volunteers Revitalize 32 Remote Huts in Summer Campaign

Volunteers in Wairarapa have successfully revitalized all 32 backcountry huts in the region as part of the Federated Mountain Clubs’ Love Our Huts campaign. This nationwide initiative, which took place over the summer, involved volunteers conducting maintenance, cleaning, and health checks on remote huts across New Zealand. The Wairarapa team dedicated an estimated 600 hours of effort to ensure these essential facilities remain in good condition for outdoor enthusiasts.

A group of 14 enthusiastic hikers from the Parawai Tramping Club made their way to the Tauanui Hut, where they engaged in extensive cleaning activities. Among them was Peter Davis, a dedicated tramper with 50 years of experience. The team faced challenging conditions, including river crossings through the Tauanui Stream and persistent drizzle, but they persevered to complete over 20 hours of cleaning at the hut.

Davis expressed the group’s excitement about their contribution: “We scrubbed the hut inside and out. Every surface was wiped, mattresses scrubbed, vegetation cleared, and of course, the toilet was given a good clean. By the end of it, the hut was sparkling clean.” He noted that although Tauanui Hut received attention during last year’s campaign, there was still ample work to maintain its condition, making it a rewarding experience for the volunteers.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to protect New Zealand’s backcountry facilities. Mick Abbott, vice president of the Federated Mountain Clubs and campaign lead, emphasized the importance of these huts. “Aotearoa’s huts are a shelter and base along some of the most memorable journeys through the backcountry,” he said. “They’re used by trampers, hunters, conservation workers, and search and rescue teams. They offer safety and help conservation work thrive.”

The campaign collaborates closely with the Department of Conservation (DOC), community groups, and other environmental organizations. Abbott added that volunteer reports assist in identifying and addressing maintenance needs for the huts. As part of this campaign, more than 500 backcountry huts have been registered for cleaning, with fewer than 300 huts remaining to be serviced.

The Love Our Huts campaign has not only mobilized hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts to visit these backcountry huts but has also encouraged hikers to give back by tidying up, removing rubbish, and reporting any maintenance issues to DOC. Those interested in participating in this initiative can find more information on the Federated Mountain Clubs website at fmc.org.nz/what-we-do/campaigns/love-our-huts-and-tracks.

Through their dedicated efforts, volunteers in Wairarapa have ensured that future trampers will encounter well-maintained and welcoming huts, reinforcing the spirit of community and conservation in New Zealand’s backcountry.