Online bookings for Milford Track open today

The Milford Track is one of the most popular Great Walks. Photo: Getty Images

The chance to get on the Milford Track for this season will play out today. That offer is not likely to last long.

The Department of Conservation opened up its booking system for its Great Walks when the Paparoa Track was the first one up for bidding.

Milford Track is next for booking and will open at 9.30am today.

The Paparoa Track proved popular, attracting more than 4000 in the online queue when bookings opened at 9.30am.

The booking platform coped well under pressure, and booking queues had cleared by 10am. There were still dates available, RNZ reported.

Doc said opening dates for bookings were staggered across several days to give everyone a fair go.

The phased approach helped people planning multiple trips and reduced pressure on the booking system on opening day.

The system included 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,’’ Doc heritage and visitors acting director Carly Strausberg said.

‘‘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% occupancy, with the Kepler Track close behind at 91%.

‘‘That shows just how highly valued these experiences are for people and while huts were often full, there was still good availability at many campsites for those willing to explore alternative options.’’

Milford Track is usually the most popular. Last year’s Milford Track opening was delayed for a couple of weeks because of poor weather.

Across the Great Walk network last season, about 60% of hut bookings were made by New Zealanders, highlighting strong domestic interest alongside a return of international visitors.

‘‘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.’’

High demand was not limited to Great Walks.

Some of Doc's most iconic and high-profile sites continue to see strong demand — Mueller Hut, Hooker Hut and Totaranui Campsite are regularly fully booked over peak periods.

Booking data showed visitors spent more than 400,000 nights in Doc campsites last year, up more than 10% on the previous year.

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