We did a six mile hike above Lake Rototiti, to the top of Mount Robert, 4,662 ft. On our hike, we passed by our first backcountry trekking huts. There are over 950 trekking huts that are managed by the NZ Dept of Conservation scattered across the New Zealand wilderness. There are many more private huts as well. In fact, the exact number of huts has never been calculated because there are so many in the country. Some are super simple, just an empty building to lay your sleeping bag, while some are huge, manned lodges complete with running water, electricity, kitchens and common spaces. For an $85 yearly pass, you’re free to stay in as many of the public huts as you please! So cool!
Lake Rototiti, Nelson Lakes National Park
It was super exposed, cold and windy on the day of our hike, so full down jackets and hoods were a blessing!
The Kea Hut is a private hut that was built in the 1934 by members of the Nelson Ski Club. It’s still maintained by the Ski Club, and only members of the club can access the hut.
Here are a few more shots of Angela hiking above Lake Rotoiti …
Beech forest … quiet, wild and beautiful. The red triangles hanging in the trees are trail markers. Very handy when the trail becomes obscured by snow.
The Bushline Hut is managed by the NZ Dept of Conservation, and has 14 bunk beds, a wood burning heater, non-flush toilets and a cold water supply from a rain collection tank.
More views from the trail
Pterostylis montana is a species of greenhood orchid endemic to New Zealand
It’s common name is mountain greenhood
