The Department of Conservation Is Launching a Booking System for Its Network of Backcountry Huts and Campgrounds
The bookable huts and campgrounds include some extremely popular summer destinations.
After great success opening up bookings for New Zealand's spectacular tramping tracks, the Department of Conservation is launching a new system so explorers can secure conservation huts and campsites across the country.
DOC's network of 950 huts and 200 campgrounds are situated across the country in some of Aotearoa's most scenic spots. Conservation campgrounds are a mainstay of classic Kiwi summer holidays and the huts provide shelter and accommodation to thousands of trampers each year.
Most sites operate on a first-come first-served basis, however some accommodation can be booked in advance online. Alongside accommodation on the Great Walks, all DOC's lodges, cabins and cottages, about a quarter of campsites and a small fraction of huts are bookable. The bookable huts and campgrounds include some extremely popular destinations, including Pinnacles and Woolshed Creek hut on Mt Somers Walkway in Canterbury and Uretiti Beach and Urupukapuka campgrounds in Northland.
The new system will give customers the ability to make and manage their own bookings online rather than contact a visitor centre. On Thursday, 25 June bookings will open for the majority of the facilities for the 2020/2021 season. Department of Conservation recommends creating an account beforehand, especially if you are looking to book a popular summer destination.
The bookings are only open to domestic trampers and campers while travel restrictions remain in place.
For more information and to make a booking, visit doc.govt.nz.
Image: Alan, Flora Bottling/Flickr.
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