Renewable energy breakthrough for Welcome Flat Hut

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January/February 2026

A long-time Wilderness contributor and freelance author, Kathy writes about outdoor recreation, natural history and conservation.

By Kathy Ombler

A breakthrough in hut heating technology was ‘turned on’ at Welcome Flat Hut in Westland Tai Poutini National Park this week.

The heating project, which uses energy from the nearby geothermal hot springs and also incorporates solar and hydro energy, means an end to flying coal to the popular South Westland hut, says DOC operations manager Wayne Costello.

A reticulated heating system exchanges heat from the hot spring and pumps its water to the hut, about 60m away, and around wall-mounted radiators in the main hut, bunkrooms and wet room/entrance. The water in the reticulated system is heated to 51oC at the spring and loses only 0.5oC at the hut.

The fully-automated system is set to heat the hut to a cosy 18℃. It can run 24/7 and will switch off when the programmed temperature is reached. The hut warden can also turn it on or off if necessary.

Solar panels fitted on the hut roof and a mini hydro scheme supply power to run the pumps and for Starlink, which provides remote visibility and management of the system.

Water from the hot pools is piped through the hut like a central heating system.

“It’s very impressive and all seems to work as planned,” says Costello. “We will watch it closely and make any final adjustments, if needed, over the coming months.”

Costello says the project was made possible by the innovation and generosity of Adrian Kerr of Decarbonised Energy Solutions and Rodger Griffiths from Westpower’s ElectroNet Group. The John Nankervis Estate and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority made significant contributions.

Solar panels power the pumps and Starlink connection that run the heating system

“Without that support, we would never have been able to get this project off the ground with all its benefits for reducing emissions, keeping the hut dry and extending its life, not to mention making the hut more ‘welcoming’ – even in winter,” says Costello.

The old woodburner remains in situ. “We will replace the fireplace with a new and more efficient woodburner as a back-up,” he says.

About the author

Kathy Ombler

Freelance author Kathy Ombler mostly writes about outdoor recreation, natural history and conservation, and has contributed to Wilderness for many years. She has also written and edited for other publications and websites, most recently Federated Mountain Club’s Backcountry, Forest & Bird, and the Backcountry Trust. Books she has authored include Where to Watch Birds in New Zealand, Walking Wellington and New Zealand National Parks and Other Wild Places. She is currently a trustee for Wellington’s Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust.