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.
Backcountry huts information sheet (PDF, 272K)
Backcountry hut pass and tickets order form (PDF, 504K)
North Island backcountry huts (list and fees) (PDF, 148K)
South Island backcountry huts (list and fees) (PDF, 235K)
Backcountry huts removed and not available for accommodation (PDF, 62K)
NZ weather
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code: 1. Plan your trip 2. Tell someone 3. Be aware of the weather 4. Know your limits 5. Take sufficient supplies
DOC visitor centres
Give feedback on a recent visit to a DOC place
Safety