Aotearoa / New Zealand: Tomorrow's Sideswipe, Today!

Safety first. Nobody is walking home in the dark. I've been to one suuuper crowded hut that had a doc ranger as it was during a holiday period and they did their best to accommodate everyone as best they could. They asked for volunteers to sleep on the floor, by the fireplace or outside on the deck which is what I opted for as the weather was great and I like sleeping outdoors. There were a few spare mattresses to use, kids were top and tailed wherever possible, it was a bit chaotic, but everybody was safe and sound, but maybe not super comfy. There's no guarantees there'll be spare mattresses so if you're worried about having to sleep on the floor maybe take a bed roll. Saying all that, hit the trail early as possible and try and get there in time to secure a good spot. Just be ready to work together with others if it's already full.