The Paparoa Track on the West Coast is the first to open today, followed by Fiordland's Milford Track tomorrow.
Last year, the department (Doc) upgraded its online booking system to include a virtual queue to help manage peak demand.
The system faced multiple crashes and false starts in 2023 and 2024.
Doc said the booking system was good to go.
Bookings for the remaining Great Walks open throughout the month.
The department encouraged people to create a log in for the Doc system well in advance, test out their login details before the opening day, familiarise themselves with the booking system and get online about 15 minutes before bookings open.
Opening dates for Great Walk accommodation
For stays from 1 July 2026 - 30 June 2027. Bookings open 9:30am on listed dates.
- Tuesday, May 12 - Paparoa Track
- Wednesday, May 13 - Milford Track
- Thursday, May 14 - Abel Tasman Coast Track
- Friday, May 15 - Routeburn Track
- Tuesday, May 19 - Kepler Track
- Wednesday, May 20 - Heaphy Track, Whanganui Journey, Lake Waikaremoana Track
- Thursday, May 21 - 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 9:30am or 12 noon.
- Tuesday, May 12 - Huts, lodges, and sole occupancy accommodation (excludes Tiritiri Matangi Bunkhouse*)
- Thursday, May 14 - North Island campsites
- Friday, May 15 - South Island campsites (excludes Tōtaranui Campsite)
- Friday, May 22 - Tōtaranui Campsite
- Tuesday, June 16 - Tiritiri Matangi Bunkhouse
This story was first published on rnz.co.nz |  |
