Huts are an important part of the New Zealand backcountry (outdoor) experience. The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages a network of over 950 backcountry huts in conservation areas nationwide.
Huts provide unique places to stay, refuge from bad weather and a place to rest and recover when you are out exploring the many parks and reserves.
All DOC huts are more basic than a backpacker hostel.
Find out about fees, bookings and hut passes.
Discover what facilities you can and can't expect to find in DOC-managed backcountry huts.
There are four hut categories for DOC-managed backcountry huts. Only Basic huts are free to use, all others have a fee.
Plan ahead for your trip into the New Zealand backcountry.
NZ weather
DOC maps: Discover the outdoors - DOC's key places, campsites, tracks and huts, and visitor centres on a map
Backcountry hut information
Find backcountry huts
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:1. Plan your trip2. Tell someone3. Be aware of the weather4. Know your limits5. Take sufficient supplies
DOC visitor centres
Give feedback on a recent visit to a DOC place
Safety