New Zealand Huts Department of Conservation, Part D:
Notes on Ten Selected Operations
by Sam Demas
(Note: this is part of the larger work New Zealand Huts: Notes towards a Country Study)
New Zealand hut operations: a comprehensive view and analysis of DoC hut operations is beyond the scope of my time and capabilities. Instead, following are notes on operational features I found particularly unique, interesting, and/or instructive. The intent is to convey an introductory overview — hopefully a helpful point of entry — for people outside New Zealand who are interested in learning how DoC operates its huts. This information was gleaned from reading DoC documents and from three months in New Zealand tramping and talking with folks.
Economics: what does it cost to operate the DoC huts?
Click on title above for a brief synopsis of costs and revenues based on conversations with Brian Dobbie, Technical Advisor, Recreation, Heritage and Technical Unit, DoC Central Office, Wellington.
Tracks
In New Zealand the term “tracks” is used in the way “trails” is used in USA. The geology, climate and vegetation of New Zealand often conspire to produce rugged tracks challenging for both trampers and for those responsible for track maintenance.