Ready, set, naturing: DOC Great Walk, hut and campsite bookings open from 12 May

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  26 March 2026

To give everyone a fair go, opening dates for bookings are staggered across several days, with bookings opening at either 9:30 am or 12 pm on their respective days. The phased approach helps people planning multiple trips and reduces pressure on the booking system on opening day.

DOC’s upgraded online booking system, introduced last year, will again include a virtual queue to help manage peak demand and create a smoother experience for users.

“Our Great Walks are some of the most iconic multi-day experiences in the world, and demand continues to grow,” says DOC Acting Director of Heritage and Visitors, Carly Strausberg.

“Last summer, many Great Walks huts reached or were close to capacity during the peak season. Milford Track and Abel Tasman Coast Track huts both reached around 95 per cent occupancy, with the Kepler Track close behind at 91 per cent. That shows just how highly valued these experiences are for people who want to go naturing, and while huts were often full, there was still good availability at many campsites for those willing to explore alternative options.”

Four of the 11 Great Walks recorded increased bookings compared to the previous year, reflecting strong ongoing demand and the successful recovery of tracks previously affected by severe weather in 2023. Lake Waikaremoana Track and the Heaphy Track saw particularly strong growth as visitors returned following storm recovery work.

Across the Great Walk network last season, around 60 per cent of hut bookings were made by New Zealanders, highlighting strong domestic appetite alongside a return of international visitors. “We know people plan their holidays around these bookings,” Carly says. “Some of the big-name tracks can feel a bit like trying to get tickets to a high-demand concert, but there are plenty of other incredible spots where people can still have a great experience.”

“Tracks like Heaphy, Lake Waikaremoana and the Whanganui Journey offer incredible experiences and often have space available. They’re fantastic options for people looking for flexibility or planning later in the season.”

High demand isn’t limited to Great Walks. Some of DOC’s most iconic and high-profile sites continue to see strong demand – with places like Mueller Hut, Hooker Hut and Totaranui Campsite regularly booking out over peak periods.

At the same time, booking data shows visitors spent more than 400,000 nights in DOC campsites last year, up more than 10 per cent on the previous year, reflecting growing interest in affordable, flexible outdoor experiences, while also highlighting that availability still exists across the wider network for those willing to explore beyond the busiest spots.

“If your first-choice books out, don’t give up,” Carly says. “There are amazing experiences right across the country from iconic Great Walks to quiet backcountry huts and family-friendly campsites. There’s a place in nature for everyone.”

Background information

Opening dates for Great Walk accommodation

(For stays from 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027. Bookings open 9:30 am on listed dates.)

Tuesday, 12 May – Paparoa Track 

Wednesday, 13 May – Milford Track 

Thursday, 14 May – Abel Tasman Coast Track 

Friday, 15 May – Routeburn Track 

Tuesday, 19 May – Kepler Track

Wednesday, 20 May – Heaphy Track, Whanganui Journey, Lake Waikaremoana Track

Thursday, 21 May – Tongariro Northern Circuit, Rakiura Track

Note: Hump Ridge Track bookings are managed separately and can be booked up to two years in advance. 

Opening dates for all other DOC accommodation

(For stays from 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027. Bookings open 9:30 am or 12 noon.)

Tuesday, 12 May – Huts, lodges, and sole occupancy accommodation (excludes Tiritiri Matangi Bunkhouse) 

Thursday, 14 May – North Island Campsites

Friday, 15 May – South Island Campsites (excludes Tōtaranui Campsite) 

Friday, 22 May – Tōtaranui Campsite 

Tips to secure your booking:

1. Create an account on the DOC booking system well in advance, if you don’t already have one.
2. Test out your login details before the opening day (one of the main reasons people miss out on opening days is forgetting their password).
3. Read up on the DOC website for the place you’re trying to book – some have rules and restrictions that are important to know before you book, and it’s good to double-check the opening dates.
4. Familiarise yourself with the booking system – search for availability, even test out making a booking (just empty your cart at the end, rather than paying).
5. Get online on the opening day at around 9:15 am or 11:45 am, and we’ll see you in the lobby.
6. Don’t give up if your first-choice books out – look at other options and have a plan B.

Contact

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/26/ready-set-naturing-doc-great-walk-hut-and-campsite-bookings-open-from-12-may/