Shelter from the Storm: The Story of New Zealand's Backcountry Huts

by Geoff Spearpoint

One of the defining and unique features of the New Zealand outdoors is the backcountry hut. New Zealand has a remarkably diverse network of these huts, unparalleled anywhere else in the world, and for those who venture into our wild places there is often a passionate attachment to these humble structures. Shelter from the Storm is a landmark publication, the first wide-ranging history of our hut network. The authors provide an overview of who built the huts - tramping and mountaineering clubs, the Department of Internal Affairs, Lands and Survey, New Zealand Forest Service, Park Boards and DOC - as well as why they were built, which includes farming, mining, tourism, tramping and climbing, hunting and deer culling, science and as monuments. For each of these sections the authors profile a wide range of representative huts, and recount the fascinating stories that invariably surround them. This is a wonderful book, meticulously researched and lavishly illustrated with a huge range of historic and contemporary photographs. Its significance and appeal is far-reaching, as this is a subject that has a genuine resonance with many, many New Zealanders.

364 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Yuliya · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight to take a deep dive into the history of New Zealand’s huts! Thoroughly enjoyed reading this unbelievably heavy book while looking outside at the expanse of Mt Aspiring National Park. Learning the stories of the huts we have visited in the past and mentally making a note of all other place we are yet to see. Can’t wait! 🤩

[Jacob Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the mac-daddy of back country huts books to ever come out of New Zealand.