Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal
If you're planning on heading out into New Zealand's backcountry this spring - why not adopt a hut?
That's the call from Federated Mountain Clubs which is seeking keen trampers to help look after New Zealand's network of public huts, which spokesperson Mick Abbott calls "mini Scott bases."
The 'Love Our Huts and Tracks' campaign wants the 900 huts throughout the country to get a spring clean and a health check.
The goal is to show some "love to our whole back country network of huts." Abbot tells RNZ's Nine to Noon.
"It's a world-leading network the only one of its kind. And it's a chance to go to those huts and say, hey, we really value them and do something to look after them."
Volunteers will give them a simple spring clean and make sure the windows are clean to enjoy those magnificent views, he said
"Wipe the benches, take out any rubbish, leave a spare roll of loo paper."
Photo: Dept of Conservation
They will also report back on the huts' general state of repair, he said.
"A simple health check; check that the doors and windows shut. There's no leaks, no broken windows. There are no problems with mice or rats or possums and so on."
The huts are pretty sturdy, he said.
"It's really important to deal with the real rather than theory. And there's a lot of theory about how much effort each of the huts need.
"Our sense is that many of the huts are really well built."
Many of these "good, solid structures" were built mid-20th Century, he said.
They have signed up 245 already and it "just keeps growing," he said.
"We've 162 groups registered, people from FMC clubs, university clubs, Alpine clubs, members of the public, Fish Game, Scouts. Lots of people are getting stuck in, it's really exciting."
Photo: Supplied
The huts play a vital role in conservation efforts, he said.
"That's the important thing to realise, is that backcountry huts, they're not just about going out and enjoying an outdoor experience.
"They're part of our conservation infrastructure, they're like, mini Scott bases, many of the huts are a base for predator free programmes."
