The new water tank at Hunters' Hunt will double capacity. Photo: Phil Brooks / Department of Conservation
Six new water tanks for huts around the top of Te Wai Pounamu should mean the water keeps running for hikers this summer.
Te Araroa Trust has provided new 2000-litre rainwater tanks at Blue Lake Hut in the Nelson Lakes National Park and five Department of Conservation huts in the Richmond Ranges.
The huts' water supply has run dry during summer in the past but the new tanks will double their rainwater storage capacity.
Department of Conservation Nelson Lakes operations manager John Wotherspoon said the opening of Te Araroa Trail in 2011 had led to a huge increase in those using back-country huts in the Richmond Ranges.
"Some Richmond Ranges huts have rivers or streams nearby where people can get water, but tank water running out has particularly been a problem at high-altitude huts where there is no nearby water source," he said.
"Blue Lake Hut is busy in summer both with Te Araroa walkers and others making the trip to see the stunning Rotomairewhenua/Blue Lake, which is reported to have the clearest freshwater in the world. Rotomairewhenua is tapu/sacred to mana whenua iwi, particularly to Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō. People are asked not to touch the water in these lakes to uphold their mauri/life force and pureness.
"Extra tank water will reduce the possibility of people filling their water bottles from the lake," he said.
Red Hills Hut is one of the places to get a new water tank. Photo: Department of Conservation
"We're grateful to Te Araroa Trust for stepping in to provide the six additional water tanks so people staying at these huts over summer have more likelihood of water coming out when they turn on the taps."
About 4000 people make the 3000-kilometre Te Araroa journey every year from Cape Reinga in the north to Bluff in the south.
Te Araroa Trust executive director Matt Claridge said the new tanks at the Starveall, Slaty, Tarn, Hunters, Red Hills and Blue Lake huts were a valuable addition to the trail.
"Thanks to funding from the New Zealand Community Trust, our walkers will have access to fresh water onsite and when you're walking the length of the country this is a huge benefit."
The Richmond Ranges was one of the most challenging Te Araroa sections and DoC advised people walking the route to be well prepared for its rugged terrain and the possibility of flooded rivers, freezing temperatures and snow.
"Advanced tramping skills, including river crossing skills, along with alpine tramping and navigational experience are needed for walking the Richmond Ranges route," Wotherspoon said.
"We strongly recommend people don't pack light, aiming to walk the route quickly, as they can be caught out if there are delays due to bad weather or flooded rivers. People should wear sturdy footwear and carry extra food, plenty of warm clothing and a tent or other emergency shelter. They should also have a distress beacon to get help if needed.
"Many river crossings are unbridged. People should not attempt to cross flooded rivers if unsure it's safe and there are no clear points to enter and exit the river - turn back or wait for the water level to drop."
People planning to walk the Richmond Ranges are advised to read the Richmond Ranges Te Araroa route information on the department's website to ensure they are well prepared and the trip is right for them.