Trampers and campers can begin to make plans for the 2021/22 Department of Conservation (DOC) season.

Online bookings for more than 900 DOC huts and 300 campsites around New Zealand open in stages from today (see below), with Great Walk bookings from next month.

But there price changes and increases.

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They include differential pricing for international visitors on seven Great Walks, the extension of the use of seasonal pricing, and the introduction of weekend pricing for a small number of DOC’s most high-use huts. 

A full list of the price changes is available here.

DOC Heritage and Visitors Director, Steve Taylor, says: "DOC manages a huge, world-class network of huts, campsites, cabins and lodges offering people the chance to stay overnight in some of the most scenic spots in Aotearoa.

"Setting fair, affordable prices for these facilities is an important way for DOC to maintain this network, including the memorable recreation opportunities they provide people, and the natural and cultural heritage surrounding them." 

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It costs about $46 million per year to maintain DOC huts and campsites, excluding accommodation on the Great Walks and the costs of tracks to access them. 

Those on Great Walks include the new Mintaro Hut on the Milford Track, which opened last month after an extensive upgrade. 

The old hut was sitting in a potential rockfall zone, in the event of a severe earthquake.  

The new 40-bunk hut, 1.5km further up the valley, offers stunning views of the steep-sided Clinton Valley and a welcome rest before the Mackinnon Pass climb the next day.

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Taylor says the overall price changes allow for a more nuanced approach to price-setting and have been designed to improve cost recovery. 

"Many of them offer incentives to visit lesser-known locations or at quieter times to protect places and people's enjoyment of them. 

"Weekend, seasonal and differential pricing are expected to make a positive difference, but we’ll be monitoring the effectiveness of this approach.

"These changes have been in the pipeline for several years now and many prices, such as for the Backcountry Hut, haven’t changed for a decade. 

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"Although the changes do include some modest price increases (from $1 to $5 per night in most instances), there are still lots of free or lower-cost options."

People can visit DOC’s website or visitor centres to find out more.

Taylor also reminds people to take extra care when heading out over the next few months. 

"As we're entering winter, it’s even more important people check track and weather conditions, pack extra supplies and warm clothing and leave their intentions with a trusted contact."

Bookings opening dates for 2021/22 (1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022) 

Non-Great Walk huts campsites and sole occupancy cabins and lodges:

• 11 May – Otago huts and campsites
• 13 May – All remaining South Island huts campsites and sole occupancy cabins and lodges (except Tōtaranui Campground)
• May 14 – All North Island huts campsites and sole occupancy cabins and lodges
• May 18 – Tōtaranui Campground, Abel Tasman National Park

Great Walks

• 15 June – Milford, Heaphy and Rakiura tracks
• 16 June – Routeburn, Paparoa and Lake Waikaremoana tracks and Whanganui Journey
• 17 June – Kepler, Tongariro Northern Circuit and Abel Tasman Coast tracks