Backcountry
Remote work comes with unique challenges
Tracks
We can help with planning, feasibility and construction of backcountry hiking and biking tracks. We'll make sure your tracks are robust, low maintenance and avoid high risk landscape features.
Huts
Hut relocations or new hut constructions require detailed analysis of geological and other natural hazards as well as geotechnical assessment of ground conditions.
Emergency
We are experienced in emergency assessment of damage to land and infrastructure. We'll help you to work out the best ways to deal with landslip, flood and earthquake damage.
Track planning and construction
From feasibility and pre-start planning to construction advice and troubleshooting, we can help ensure that your backcountry track construction is done right!
Mountainous terrain is dynamic and provides myriad challenges for construction. We’ll help you choose the most suitable locations, routing, and construction techniques to ensure that your tracks are built to last and are as safe as possible for the end user and the construction team.
- Choose the most suitable routes
- Identify vulnerable infrastructure
- Simplify decision-making
- Reduce risks and costs associated with landslip damage
- Work safely and effectively

Backcountry hut site assessments
Huts in the backcountry aren’t just accommodation. They are a safe refuge for when the weather turns nasty. They’re also a significant asset to NZ’s outdoor recreation sector and a major attraction for international tourists. Choosing the right spot is essential. We provide:
- Site specific hazard assessments for existing or proposed sites
- Planning and implementing geotechnical monitoring programmes
- Structural and geomorphic mapping
- Soil and rock mass characterisation
- Foundation recommendations to NZBC and NZS3604:2011
- Choose the right site
- Protect backcountry infrastructure
- Know the risks
- Reduce costs associated with natural hazards
- Support management decisions on infrastructure
Emergency works in remote locations
In the aftermath of storms, floods and earthquake events backcountry locations can be exposed to elevated risks.
We provide first response assessment of conditions to allow for:
- Safe access to the sites for other parties
- Prioritisation of resources
- Planning for remediation activities
- Establishment of a risk profile
- Speedy return to normal access for the public
- Cost effective future site management