Two Department of Conservation huts on Great Barrier Island have been given a full refresh ahead of the busy summer period.
Over six days, sixteen Backcountry Trust volunteers worked with DOC volunteers and staff — with support from Dulux and Skywork Helicopters — to paint and maintain Mt Heale Hut and Kaiaraara Hut. The teams and materials were flown in along with 140 litres of Dulux paint.
The two huts are key stops on the Aotea Track, the multi-day route that passes hot pools, wetlands and the summit of Hirakimata/Mt Hobson.
Backcountry Trust volunteer Sam Woodham said the job was a major undertaking.
“It was a big weekend with volunteers from across the North Island – including Whakatane, Auckland and Morrinsville. We arrived at the huts on Thursday evening and immediately put in a few hours on the tools as we knew bad weather was coming.”
Crews completed a range of tasks including repainting the interior and exterior of Kaiaraara Hut, staining the exterior of the 20-bunk Mt Heale Hut, installing new furnishings and water-blasting around the buildings.
The Trust has renovated more than 300 huts over the past decade. This is the first time it has undertaken work in the Auckland region and forms part of more than 70 planned projects for the 2025–26 programme.
Woodham said he has long wanted to contribute to conservation work.
“I see this as a way to use my skills as a tradesperson. I do a lot of hunting, so I know how valuable huts are. The DOC team rewarded us on Monday with a tour around the island, sharing some of the special places,” he said.
DOC principal ranger Karl Fisher said the upgraded huts will be welcomed by summer visitors.
“We have been really fortunate to have amazing volunteers and the valued support of Dulux and Skywork to refresh these huts. A special thanks to the volunteer leaders, Sam Woodham and Sarah Millar, along with their enthusiastic teams that have done a transformation on these two well-loved huts. They’re looking fantastic.”
Dulux has partnered with DOC since 2013, providing around 60,000 litres of paint free of charge toward conservation and recreation projects.
Fisher said the Aotea Track remains one of the island’s most scenic experiences.
“The views on the Aotea track are breathtaking – you can look out to across the forest and to islands off the coastline. We’ve got taonga species like kākā and Great Barrier tree daisy. And we’re a dark sky sanctuary so you can gaze at the constellations at night. Come on over and visit!”
The hut upgrades were completed as part of the Community Huts Programme, jointly run by DOC and the Backcountry Trust and funded through the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.
Planning a tramp?
Bookings are required for huts on the Aotea Track.
You can check availability and book through the Department of Conservation’s website:
- Aotea Track overview – information on the full route
- Mt Heale Hut – 20-bunk hut above Windy Canyon
- Kaiaraara Hut – 28-bunk hut near the valley floor
