Great Walk tickets
Fees
- Fees are charged per person per night.
- Great Walk tickets are required for the use of all huts and campsites. Tickets must be purchased before you set out on a walk. You may need to make a booking for the huts and campsites on some Great Walk tracks. Check the specific track information (links to the tracks below).
- Penalty fees of up to double the standard fee apply if pre-purchases of tickets are not made.
- If tickets are not purchased in advance, the penalty fee for Youth, children or infants is the full adult fee. Note that while there are no fees for youth, children and infants, bookings are still required.
- Youth and children may stay at huts and campsites free of charge. Note that bookings are still required.
- Off-peak season the backcountry hut pass and backcountry hut tickets can be used in many huts. The fee for the backcountry hut pass (valid for up to 12 months) is $122/adults and $61/youth.
- Please observe maximum stay periods. Peak, 2 nights at huts or campsites; off-peak 3 nights at huts, 5 nights at campsites (except Milford, Abel Tasman and Heaphy Tracks. Rakiura Track: for up to two consecutive nights at huts and up to 10 nights at campsites). Camp only where permitted.
- The provision of hut and campsite facilities and services are heavily subsidised. Fees levied for the use of huts and campsites make a small but valuable contribution towards their maintenance. Limited discounts are available for members of approved 'Recreation Associate' organisations.
Bookings
- Required all year for Lake Waikaremoana, Abel Tasman, Heaphy and Rakiura track huts and campsites.
- Required in peak season only for Whanganui Journey, Tongariro Northern Circuit, Milford track huts, Routeburn and Kepler track huts and campsites. Bookings open mid July each year.
For detailed information about fees and bookings for each of the Great Walks please check the specific track information:
Tongariro Northern Circuit
Lake Waikaremoana Track
Whanganui Journey
Abel Tasman Coast Track
Heaphy Track
Routeburn Track
Milford Track
Kepler Track
Rakiura Track
Seasons
Peak season is from 1 October to 30 April (summer) but these dates may vary in some places, or be delayed by snow or avalanche conditions. Off-peak season is from 1 May to 30 September (winter).