Backcountry huts are in for a big funding boost this summer

The Department of Conservation has received four-point-two million dollars from the International Visitor Levy, to work with the Backcountry Trust in maintaining huts and tracks over four years.

The groups are partnering on 30 projects this summer, to support other volunteers in maintaining the huts.

DOC Heritage and Visitors director Catherine Wilson, says they need community support, as they look to manage a third of the country.

She says their popularity, combined with the pressure of remote locations and climate change, puts strain on the network and creates high maintenance costs.