A document released under the OIA described the Department of Conservation’s visitor network as “unaffordable”, saying it had only about 70% of the funding it needed to maintain the network.

The document outlines that the increasing costs of maintenance and repair along with DOC's limited ability to recover costs from users because of constraints of the Conservation Act are the main drivers of the shortfall.

DOC heritage and visitor director Cat Wilson said ageing infrastructure was adding further pressure. Many huts had been around for a long time and were now coming to the end of their structural life, requiring significant repairs and replacement work.

Also in this week’s outdoor news: Gold mine on conservation land in Golden Bay denied permit, new Oturere Hut on track for Great Walk season, improvements on the way for Wānaka track and more.

Missed yesterday’s feature? Tackle trips around Queenstown with this overnight gear list.

Take a look at this week's most read articles at wildernessmag.co.nz.

Arete Forks Hut glows through the gloom, a warm orange beacon signalling the end of a long slog. A classic six-bunk S70 NZFS hut built in 1960 to support the deer culling operations in the forest park.

Before its construction, cullers used a canvas tent camp for accommodation.

It is one of only two S70-type huts left in the Tararua Forest Park that is fully representative of the original design. In 2025, it was given a fresh coat of orange paint.

Earlier this year, we ranked this as the top hut in the Tararua Range.

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