The Backcountry Trust is a collaboration of FMC, NZ Deerstalkers and Trail Fund (Cycling) that channels money received principally from DOC through to volunteer track and hut projects around the country
This work has enabled the rejuvenation of many backcountry huts, and close to home, has also been a major support of the new Kaimai hut - Te Whare Okioki, as well as a number of other maintenance projects in the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park.
Their 2020 Perfromance Report is attached to this page - it makes for very interesting reading, showcasing the work of the volunteers they have funded, including a mention for Te Whare Okioki
Poteriteri Track Recut
Attached is a report produced by Permolat Southland about recent work recutting the Poteriteri Track in the far south, with funding and support from the Backcountry Trust. An ATC party was in that way a few years ago - perhaps it may come up again in the not too distant future ? And there is a further update in the December 2020 newsletter.
In Other BCT News
Whareroa MTB Track
A new downhill MTB track is being built on the Kapiti Coast by the Kapiti Mountain Bike Club - more details in the December 2020 newsletter
Upcoming Projects in the North Island
There are quite a few projects in the Ruahines coming up and if you have been thinking about volunteering, two hut restorations in the works that might interest you are Sparrowhawk Biv and Poutaki, so it might just be the perfect time to put your hand up and get involved. Also, keep an eye out for a couple of exciting projects based around Rotorua, one on the Western Okataina, and the other on Black Birch Biv, in the Kawekas. If you're interested in getting involved, make sure you get in touch with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., BCT North Island co-ordinator.
Silverpeaks Circuit Track
In Dunedin's beloved Silverpeaks area, volunteer members of the Green Hut Track Group, have been working alongside DoC, to maintain an extensive network of tracks. They've put in a few hundred hours, worked around some tough and unpredictable conditions, and cleared several kilometres of track, to improve accessibility in the area.. More Info Here
Mt Somers Face Track Ugrade
It became possible to walk an entire circuit around Mt Somers after members of the Mt Somers Walkway Society completed the South Face Track, however in recent years the track began to show signs of wear and tear, expected of structures weathering South Island conditions, but making it unsafe for trampers, particularly in icy conditions. So The Society has been at it again, and the track is looking good. More Info Here
Other BCT Projects in 2020
Teal Bay Track Cutting
Teal Bay Track is a 4.7-kilometre-long track beginning at a 4WD vehicle road in the Rowallan Forest, near southeast Fiordland, and climbs through forest to the northern end of Hump Ridge, where it intercepts the track descending down to Teal Bay on the shores of Lake Hauroko. Recently a team has been back in the area, clearing and marking and generally making the path easily usable once again.More Info Here
East Matakitaki Hut
In the Spencer Mountains, beside the Matakitaki River, sits nestled in this picturesque location, East Matakitaki Hut. A 6 bunk S70, ex-Forest Service hut, built in the early sixties, which very recently underwent some restoration work as part of the new BCT Kaimahi for Nature Fund, and had a few distinguished visitors delivering some welcome news. More Info Here
Bobs Hut
This treasured and historic hut in the Nelson Lakes National Park, sits in a beautifully sunny spot in the West Matakitaki Valley. The history of the hut is well documented, although the origins of the current name are a bit more obscure. In September this year, as part of the Kaimahi for Nature Fund, a team completed some much needed refurbishment on the old hut, so it can continue to shelter visitors for another 60 years. More Info Here
| File | File size | Downloads |
|---|---|---|
 BCT News December 2020 | 535 kB | 5 |
| Poteriteri Track Work | 1879 kB | 13 |
| BCT News October 2020 | 408 kB | 9 |
| BCT Performance Report 2020 | 6664 kB | 35 |