Trains Hut, nestled deep in the Waitōtara Conservation Area, has been given a new lease on life thanks to collaboration between the Department of Conservation (DOC) and the Backcountry Trust.

Trains Hut, a six-bunk hut used regularly by trampers and hunters, is reached by a 15km tramp along the rugged Trains Track. This remote and rewarding backcountry track takes visitors through regenerating native forest, rugged ridgelines, and across several swing bridges.

DOC ranger Rhydian Lewis, who led the project, says support from the Backcountry Trust allowed the DOC team to expand the scope of work beyond essential repairs.

“Alongside basic maintenance, a new wood burner has been installed, the deck extended, and an L-shaped veranda constructed – all improving comfort and shelter for visitors,” he said.

“Working with the Trust, we were able to go beyond basic maintenance and give Trains Hut the attention it deserved. These upgrades make a big difference, especially for those staying in tough weather conditions.”

The project is part of the Community Huts Programme, a collaboration between DOC and the Backcountry Trust, which supports volunteers in caring for highly valued backcountry huts and tracks. Announced in January, the $4.2 million boost comes from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy.

Backcountry Trust Manager Rob Brown says the partnership with DOC Whanganui has enabled important work on backcountry places valued by the community.

“As well as this work on the Trains Hut, we collaborated to complete much-needed maintenance on two of the huts on the Matemateonga Walkway.

“When we get teams of passionate people from DOC and BCT together, we get through a lot of field work in a short amount of time.”

Waitotara Conservation Area sits to the south-west of Whanganui National Park between Whanganui and Stratford, and features stunning mature rimu, tōtara and northern rātā. Occasional regenerating scrubland and forest is a lingering reminder of failed settlement attempts.

Trains Track is an advanced track which can be heavily impacted by wet conditions.

Download the map, route notes and GPX file for the trip here.