New water tanks have been installed at huts along the Richmond Range section of Te Araroa Trail.

Tanks were added to Red Hills, Hunters, Slaty, Tarn and Starveall huts during October and November. These huts were notorious for running out of water and none are near a decent natural water source.

“We’re hoping the addition of more tanks will make life easier for all walkers using the huts, and start to illustrate our aim of, over time, making the Te Araroa route better,” said Kari Fairweather, chair of Te Araroa Regional Trust in Nelson and Marlborough.

Volunteer teams worked with DOC rangers to make the ambitious project happen.

“I hope it will be the beginning of many such endeavours in our region, complementing good works being undertaken by other TA regional trusts around New Zealand,” said Fairweather.

Funding for the tank installations came from the New Zealand Community Trust with additional support from  Te Araroa National Trust.

Thousands of people will use the water tanks each year.