No summer holiday plans? Try these backcountry huts and campsites

Has summer crept up on you and you haven’t made any holiday plans?

With more than 900 backcountry huts and campsites, and thousands of day or overnight walking options, you are spoilt for choice for last-minute getaways.

Here are 10 options for getting out into nature and staying in New Zealand’s great outdoors.

Te Whara Track and Peach Cove Hut, Northland

Te Whara Track is one of the country’s best day hikes. At times challenging, walkers are rewarded with amazing panoramic coastal views. Turn it into an overnight trip with a stay at Peach Cove Hut. The serviced hut can sleep eight on large platform bunks and is a great way to introduce children to the outdoor experience.

READ MORE:
* A Bunk for the Night: New Zealand’s obsession with backcountry huts
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Kakaho Campsite and the Rimu Walk, Pureora Forest Park, Waikato

A great site for making memorable family holidays, visitors to the Kakaho Campsite can swim in the stream and wander through the beautiful podocarp forest.

Sunrise Hut, Ruahine Ranges, Hawke’s Bay

Another goodie for families is this North Island gem. Sited in a tussock basin beside the bush edge at 1280m, the hut offers stunning views across the region. There are 20 bunk beds and the hut is popular for day trips or weekend visits.

Powell Hut, Tararua Forest Park, Wairarapa

This serviced 32-bunk hut offers great views and is good for families with older kids. It can be accessed via Holdsworth Road end and is on the popular Mt Holdsworth-Jumbo Circuit.

Atiwhakatu Hut, Tararua Forest Park, Wairarapa

Another Wairarapa gem is the Atiwhakatu Hut. The hut is set in beautiful native bush with a river nearby to enjoy.

Bushline Hut, Nelson Lakes National Park

Sitting on the tree line at 1280m, Bushline Hut is perfect for families and newbies to hiking. It has beautiful views over Lake Rotoiti and across to the St Arnaud Range. The hut is serviced and there are 14 bunk beds

Lake Taylor Campsite and Jollie Brook Circuit, Canterbury

If the weather is good, there are few places in the country as beautiful as this lakeside campsite. There are lots of tramping options, and while the setting is remote, access is easy.

Peel Forest Campground and surrounding bush walks, Canterbury

This campground has great facilities, and there are lots of walking options. There are 47 non-powered/tent sites, 34 powered sites and four cabins available.

Glencoe Campsite, Moeraki area, Otago

Surrounded by beech and podocarp forest, this campsite offers great back-to-basic camping. There are 20 non-powered/tent sites and plenty of walks and a river to enjoy.

Copland Track and Welcome Flat Hut, West Coast

A truly spectacular Kiwi tramp along the wild west coast, hikers are recommended to stay at the hut, or camp. There are nearby natural hot pools to enjoy.

Wherever you go, follow the New Zealand Land Safety Code to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure:

1. Choose the right trip for you: learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.

2. Understand the weather: it can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed.

3. Pack warm clothes and extra food: prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out.

4. Share your plans and take ways to get help: telling a trusted friend your trip details and taking a distress beacon can save your life.

5. Take care of yourself and each other: eat, drink and rest, stick with your group and make decisions together.

For more, download the Plan My Walk app or go to the NZ Mountain Safety Council’s website.

– with NZ Mountain Safety Council