Etiquette in DOC Huts: A Guide for New Hikers

New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC) huts offer incredible access to the country’s stunning backcountry. Staying in these huts is a fantastic experience, but it’s important to be aware of the etiquette involved. This guide outlines the do’s and don’ts for new hikers to ensure a comfortable and respectful stay for everyone.

Before You Go: Planning and Booking

• Do book in advance: Many DOC huts, especially on popular tracks, require bookings. Check the DOC website to see if the hut you’re planning to stay in needs to be booked. Booking ensures you have a bunk and helps DOC manage hut capacity.
• Do purchase the correct tickets/passes: Depending on the hut and your residency status, you’ll need either a backcountry hut pass or individual hut tickets. Make sure you have the correct ones before you start your hike.
• Do check the DOC website for alerts: Before you leave, check the DOC website for any track closures, weather warnings, or other important information that might affect your trip.
• Don’t assume there will be space: Never assume a hut will have space if you haven’t booked. Arriving without a booking and finding the hut full can be a major problem.
• Don’t forget to inform someone of your plans: Always let someone know your hiking itinerary, including which huts you plan to stay in and when you expect to be back.

Arrival and Hut Use: Respecting the Space

• Do arrive before dark: Aim to arrive at the hut well before nightfall. This gives you time to settle in, find a bunk, and prepare your dinner without disturbing others.
• Do sign the hut book: Upon arrival, fill out the hut book. This is important for safety reasons and helps DOC track hut usage.
• Do be mindful of noise: Huts can be echoey, so be mindful of noise levels, especially early in the morning and late at night. Keep conversations quiet and avoid slamming doors.
• Do keep your gear tidy: Store your gear neatly and avoid spreading it all over the hut. Keep walkways clear and be considerate of others’ space.
• Do offer help: If someone is struggling with a task, offer to lend a hand. Helping with firewood, water collection, or cleaning is always appreciated.
• Don’t hog the cooking facilities: Be mindful of others waiting to use the stove or bench space. Cook your meal efficiently and clean up promptly after yourself.
• Don’t leave your belongings on bunks you aren’t using: Keep extra bunks free for other hikers who may arrive later.
• Don’t wear dirty boots inside: Remove your boots before entering the sleeping areas to keep the hut clean.

Cooking and Cleaning: Leaving No Trace

• Do clean up after yourself: This is perhaps the most important aspect of hut etiquette. Wash your dishes, wipe down surfaces, and sweep the floor after you’ve finished cooking.
• Do take all your rubbish with you: DOC huts typically don’t have rubbish disposal facilities. Pack out everything you pack in, including food scraps, wrappers, and other waste.
• Do conserve water: Water can be scarce in some huts. Use water sparingly for cooking and cleaning.
• Do use the designated toilet facilities: Use the toilets provided and follow the instructions for their use. If there are no toilets, bury human waste at least 50 meters away from water sources and tracks.
• Don’t leave food scraps or crumbs around: These can attract pests and create a mess.
• Don’t pour cooking oil or grease down the drain: This can clog the pipes and create a health hazard.
• Don’t wash dishes in streams or lakes: Use the designated washing facilities or carry water away from water sources to wash your dishes.

Sleeping Arrangements: Respecting Others’ Rest

• Do be quiet when others are sleeping: Once people start going to bed, keep noise to a minimum. Avoid talking loudly, rustling bags, or using electronic devices with bright screens.
• Do use a headlamp: If you need to get up during the night, use a headlamp to avoid disturbing others with bright lights.
• Do keep your sleeping bag clean: Use a sleeping bag liner to protect the mattresses and keep your sleeping bag clean.
• Don’t snore loudly: If you know you snore, try to find a bunk away from others or use earplugs.
• Don’t get up unnecessarily during the night: Try to minimize your movements during the night to avoid disturbing others.
• Don’t hog the mattresses: Be considerate of others and don’t take up more space than you need.

Fire Safety: Being Responsible

• Do be careful with fire: If the hut has a fireplace or wood-burning stove, be extremely careful when using it. Follow the instructions provided and never leave a fire unattended.
• Do conserve firewood: Firewood can be scarce, so use it sparingly. Only burn dry wood and avoid burning rubbish.
• Do extinguish the fire completely: Before leaving the hut, make sure the fire is completely extinguished. Pour water on the embers and stir them until they are cold to the touch.
• Don’t use flammable liquids to start a fire: This is extremely dangerous and can cause an explosion.
• Don’t leave flammable materials near the fire: Keep clothing, sleeping bags, and other flammable materials away from the fire.
• Don’t cut down live trees for firewood: Use only dead and fallen wood.

Departure: Leaving the Hut in Good Condition

• Do sweep the floor: Before you leave, sweep the floor and tidy up any mess you’ve made.
• Do check for belongings: Make sure you haven’t left anything behind.
• Do close all windows and doors: Secure the hut before you leave to protect it from the elements.
• Do leave a note in the hut book: Write a brief note in the hut book about your experience and any issues you encountered.
• Don’t leave any rubbish behind: Double-check that you’ve packed out all your rubbish.
• Don’t forget to sign out of the hut book: This is important for safety reasons.

Specific Hut Types: Adjusting Your Etiquette

While the above guidelines are general, some DOC huts have specific rules or considerations:

Serviced Huts

These huts often have a warden present. Follow their instructions and be respectful of their role in managing the hut.

Basic Huts

These huts have minimal facilities. Be prepared to be self-sufficient and take extra care to leave no trace.

Great Walk Huts

These huts are often larger and more crowded. Be extra mindful of noise levels and space.

Final Thoughts

Following these guidelines will help ensure a pleasant and safe experience for everyone using DOC huts. Remember that huts are shared spaces, and a little consideration goes a long way. By being respectful of the environment and other hikers, you can contribute to a positive and enjoyable backcountry experience for all.