Trampers relaxing overnight in Nelson Lakes National Park this summer may have been greeted by a 10-year-old volunteer hut warden with a mullet. 

Fletcher Lodge worked alongside his father, Dan, for nine days in Upper Travers Hut, welcoming trampers, tidying up, bird watching and exploring the valley in their spare time.

“We’re there to enhance the trampers’ user experience,” said Dan, “to make sure everyone’s having a good time and help them whenever we can.”

“I got rid of all the mozzies in the toilets,” Fletcher added. 

No strangers to volunteering in the backcountry, the pair have also worked as hut wardens at Lake Angelus Hut in Nelson Lakes. 

They also participated in the Federated Mountain Clubs’ ‘Love Our Huts’ campaign, and cleaned nearby Coppola Hut. 

Dan started tramping at Fletcher’s age and has since bagged 117 huts. “They’re amazing assets for New Zealand,” he said.“These huts provide a safe place in the bush and ideas on places to go in the wilderness.”

Fletcher loves being outside: “I like the celebration when you get to the top of a hard mountain,” he said. “We get scroggin, muesli bars and jerky at the top!”

While staying at Upper Travers Hut, the pair went on a 2000m side quest to Rainbow Pass. “My legs were like jelly,” Fletcher recalled. 

“I really enjoy being a hut warden and helping other people to enjoy the outdoors, because I just love it so much,” Dan said.