The Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand (FMC) is calling on New Zealanders to join the Love Our Huts campaign, which sees volunteers visit huts around the country to clean and carry out basic maintenance, helping preserve these beloved shelters for future generations.

Roughly 300 volunteer groups have signed up for over 440 huts across the country, but there is still more work to be done to get all 900 huts cleaned this summer.

New Zealand's huts are more than just shelters from the elements – they're iconic refuges that have provided warmth, safety, and camaraderie to generations of trampers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts.

From basic two-bunkers tucked into remote valleys to alpine huts perched high in the mountains, these humble structures are a key part of the backcountry experience.

"Our backcountry huts are integral to the Kiwi outdoor experience, and they belong to all of us so it's up to us to look after them. That’s really what Love Our Huts is," says Mick Abbott, FMC Vice-President.

"Whether it's packing out rubbish, chopping firewood, or reporting maintenance issues, every small action helps ensure these special places remain available for everyone to enjoy."

The Love Our Huts campaign recognises that while DOC and other agencies maintain the hut network, the tramping community plays a vital role in day-to-day care. Hut users have long been the first line of defence in protecting them - cleaning, restocking emergency supplies, and maintaining logbooks.

The campaign encourages outdoor enthusiasts to:

• Practice "leave no trace" principles and pack out all rubbish
• Report any damage or maintenance needs to DOC
• Respect hut etiquette and fellow users
• Share their hut experiences and inspire others to care for these spaces

When supporters sign up to Love Our Huts, they register a chosen hut, receive a cleaning check-list, plan their trip any time before March, and they head out to get the job done.

"These huts have sheltered us through storms, celebrated our adventures, and created countless memories," Mick Abbott adds.

"Now it's our turn to give back and ensure they're here for the next generation of New Zealanders to love."

To sign up and learn more about how you can help, visit https://fmc.org.nz/what-we-do/campaigns/love-our-huts-and-tracks/ or follow the campaign on Facebook.

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