A hut on the Routeburn Track will be closed for two weeks this month as part of a $1.5 million deal between the Department of Conservation (Doc) and Dulux New Zealand.
Under the partnership, it was intended to paint and protect public huts and lodges over the next three years. The deal was also now open to community and club huts on conservation land which could use a lick of paint.
The 48-bunk Routeburn Falls Hut is one of the busiest. More than 12,000 independent walkers complete the Routeburn Track every year.
The 17-year-old hut will be closed from May 13 to 27, to allow for the painting of the interior. The walls and floor will receive a coat of clear polyurethane, given by Dulux as part of the partnership.
Routeburn Flats Hut will remain open and can be used as alternative accommodation by trampers.
