Pack it out - Poo pots
Poo pots were first introduced at Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park in 2004 as a trial. They are now available for sale from the visitor centre, and may also be available in other alpine parks.
Each pot comes with a brochure of instructions on how to use your poo pot, cornstarch bag liners and hand sanitizer.
Poo pots should be used where:
- There is no hut toilet
- The hut toilet is unusable in winter months
- People are camping at high altitude
- People are camping in sensitive zones
- People are doing day trips that may necessitate a toilet stop on the way (e.g. Aoraki/Mt Cook climb)
Disposal
- The pot must be used with biodegradable cornstarch bags.
- The bags are suitable for dropping into any hut toilet system as they decompose.
- They can also be flushed (carefully, not too much matter at once) in a flush toilet.
- The pot is designed as a personal poo pot that can be washed, disinfected and reused.
Why use a poo pot?
Poo pot - developed in Aoraki / Mt Cook
National Park
In the past, it has been common practice to bury human waste if caught short in places without toilets. Climbers had traditionally buried waste or popped it down a crevasse.
But research has shown that waste does not break down as quickly as once thought - in fact in alpine areas it might not ever break down. Not only does this look bad when snow melts in summer, but it presents a health risk, with Giardia an increasing problem in New Zealand.
Leaving human waste on the mountain is also unacceptable to Ngāi Tahu, as the waters that flow from Aoraki are sacred.
The caving fraternity in New Zealand have been practising carrying out all human waste for many years. The system is used overseas in parks like Denalli in America, and is used extensively by all people venturing out into the field in Antarctica.
Alpine care code
- Plan ahead
- Pack it in, pack it out - take all your rubbish with you
- Dispose of your toilet waste appropriately
- Respect our Māori heritage
- Look after our native species
- Be considerate of others
- Leave no trace