Mount Brown and the New Zealand Hut Network by Liv Cappello '21

Abroad Dispatch

Mount Brown and the New Zealand Hut Network Words and Photos by Liv Cappello '21

"Pulling myself up the final steps of the grueling, five-hour vertical climb, I looked through the fog and storm at the top of Mount Brown and caught a glimpse of a small bright orange structure in the distance. With shaking legs and soaked-through packs, Hannah and I pushed toward the hut and spent the rest of the night trying to dry off and warm up, half-terrified about the conditions but fully relieved to be in this place we'd heard about for months. Waking up the next morning, the fog had opened to the most incredible views. Walking up the ridgeline to get a view of the hut from above, we took turns snapping shots of the hut against the backdrop of the towering New Zealand Southern Alps.

In 1987, the newly formed Department of Conservation took on the maintenance and reconstruction of New Zealand’s extensive network of huts and trails. Constructed originally as outposts for miners and hunters, others for alpinists and scientists, and today serve to house the trampers (the term for backpackers in New Zealand) who make the treks up to stay in them. Nearly a thousand huts—ranging from tiny four-person to 50+ structures—now draw hikers from around the country and beyond.

The Mt. Brown Hut is a favorite among trampers on the West Coast of the South Island. Built by the community of the neighboring town, Hokitika, the hut is one of the smallest in New Zealand. Barely sleeping four in two tiny bunk beds, the cabin also squeezes in a small—and poorly-functioning— coal-burning stove, a small table, and stacks of books left by past visitors."

"During my five months on the South Island, I was determined to make it to Mt. Brown and two of the other most famous huts: Brewster Hut and Mueller Hut. All in high alpine environments and requiring challenging climbs, the views from these bright red and orange structures are spec"To me, the little tacular. To me, the little boxes tucked high into the mountains are a reminder of how boxes tucked high small we are amidst the vastness of the into the mountain range and was the highlight of my time are a reminder of spent in that wonderful little country."

how small we are..."