We did a 6 mile hike above Lake Rototiti, to the top of Mt Robert, & passed by our first backcountry trekking huts. There are over 950 huts, which are managed by the NZ Dept of Conservation, scattered across the New Zealand wilderness. There are many more private huts as well. In fact, they have not been able to calculate the total number of huts 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 these as you please! So cool!
