Wider collaboration to preserve backcountry heritage

The Government is strengthening support for New Zealand’s treasured backcountry hut and track network through the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Backcountry Trust, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced.

“For nearly ten years, the Backcountry Trust has partnered with DOC to restore and maintain

hundreds of huts and thousands of kilometres of tracks across the country — demonstrating what can be achieved when government, community, and passionate volunteers work together,” Mr Potaka says.

“Our Government has demonstrated its commitment to supporting the Backcountry Trust through $4.2 million of funding from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy since 2024. This significant contribution has enabled the Backcountry Trust to deliver work across the motu, supporting the preservation of South Island alpine huts like Almer Hut in Westland Tai Poutini National Park and Hopeless Hut in Nelson Lakes National Park, restoration of treasured hunting bases like Venison Tops Hut in Kaweka Forest Park, and track work on local classics like in the Silverpeaks north of Dunedin.

“This MOU signals the next stage of that commitment. It provides an opportunity for DOC and the Backcountry Trust to further develop a durable, sustainable partnership through developing a national operational agreement, while helping to ensure New Zealanders can continue to enjoy a resilient and publicly accessible backcountry hut and track network.

“Working alongside organisations like the Backcountry Trust gives us an opportunity to combine DOC’s expertise with the skills, energy, and commitment that already exist in our backcountry communities.

“The nation's backcountry huts and tracks are part of who we are. Generations of Kiwi have explored them, cared for them, and created memories in — and on — them. I am pleased that this work means others will be able to have those same experiences, too.”