Family at Lake Okareka Campsite
Image: Nick Lambert | ©

Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication. 

Introduction

DOC has opened additional campsites and huts for online bookings in time for the summer holidays.

Date:  23 October 2020

“Visitors are now able to book, pay and manage their reservation for a broader range of campsites and huts through the DOC website,” says Tim Bamford, DOC’s Insight and Strategy Manager.

“Providing individuals, groups and families confidence their accommodation is sorted and secured before arrival will enable more Kiwis to take advantage of their conservation accommodation facilities and provide a fairer system for all.”

DOC manages a huge network of accommodation in conservation areas across New Zealand, most of which is operated on a first-come first-served basis. However, some huts and many campsites can be booked in advance online. This helps DOC manage popular facilities and encourages greater use of these facilities by a wide range of people, particularly families.

“Another advantage of the booking service is, in advance of their trip we can provide customers with safety information, track updates and if the reservation is affected by bad weather, other natural events or any cancelations due to potential COVID-19 alert level changes,” says Tim Bamford.

“Our bookings and track counter data shows New Zealanders' desire to get out into our great outdoors has been, and continues to be, strong, with significant peaks over weekends and holidays in many places.”

“We’d encourage people to plan ahead and book early – particularly for the Christmas period and long weekends. Despite border restrictions, we’re seeing many DOC facilities remain busy this year and bookings are currently up 9% for our Great Walks, compared with the same time last year, even with reduced seasons on the popular Milford and Routeburn tracks.”  

“It’s extremely pleasing to see so many Kiwis enjoying their conservation areas. For those trying new activities and visiting new corners of stunning Aotearoa, it’s even more vital you plan and prepare for your trip, check the DOC website, pop into the local visitor centre, know the weather and track conditions before you set off, tell someone your plans and pack all you need.”

To start booking including creating your account visit bookings.doc.govt.nz 

More information

DOC manages around 950 huts and 300 campgrounds across the country in some of the most scenic spots in Aotearoa offering a range of options for all users.

Prices range from free (basic) to $18 (serviced) per adult per night for camping and the majority of huts range from $5 to $15 per adult per night.

Most of these are non-bookable (ie first come first served).

With the addition of the 43 campsites and 9 huts to the booking system this spring, 43 huts, 82 campsites and 24 lodges, cabins and cottages, can be booked in advance online. Note this doesn’t include DOC accommodation on the Great Walks.

People booking online who are eligible for a discount can apply through their online account for their discounts to be activated on their accounts. Once the discount is activated, it will apply to all reservations made rather than having to request a retrospective refund. People can also use their backcountry hut passes when booking online.

DOC’s bookable and non-bookable huts are available to anyone needing shelter from adverse weather conditions or when people are in trouble. People should be aware they may have to sleep on the floor if the hut is completely booked.

Find out more about DOC accommodation options, including booking and how to pay.

List of new campsites and huts you need to book

Campsites and huts joining DOC’s online booking service

Hut/campsite name

Standard

Region

Broken Hills Campsite

Scenic Campsite

Hauraki

Pouakai Hut

Serviced Hut

Taranaki

Arohena Campsite

Standard Campsite

King County

Angelus Hut

Serviced Hut

Nelson Lakes

Canaan Downs Campsite

Standard Campsite

Golden Bay

Cobb Hostel

Standard Hut

Golden Bay

White Horse Hill Campground

Scenic Campsite

Aoraki Mt Cook

Glencoe Campsite

Standard Campsite

Canterbury

Trotters Gorge Campsite

Standard Campsite

Canterbury

Pioneer Park Campsite

Standard Campsite

Canterbury

Kakaho Campsite

Standard Campsite

King County

Pahautea Hut

Standard Hut

Waikato

Pahautea Hut and campsites

Basic Campsites

Waikato

Walker Creek Campsite

Scenic Campsite

Fiordland

Upper Eglington Campsite

Scenic Campsite

Fiordland

Totara Campsite

Scenic Campsite

Fiordland

Mackay Creek Campsite

Scenic Campsite

Fiordland

Kiosk Creek Campsite

Scenic Campsite

Fiordland

Henry Creek Campsite

Scenic Campsite

Fiordland

Deer Flat Campsite

Scenic Campsite

Fiordland

Cascade Creek Campsite

Scenic Campsite

Fiordland

Otaio Gorge Campsite

Standard Campsite

Canterbury

Waihi Gorge Campsite

Standard Campsite

Canterbury

Orari Campsite

Standard Campsite

Canterbury

Ngaherenga Campsite

Standard Campsite

King County

Rerewhakaaitu, Ash Pit Road Campsite

Standard Campsite

Central North Island

Rerehakaaitu, Brett Road Campsite

Standard Campsite

Central North Island

Papatowai Campsite

Standard Campsite

Southland

Piano Flat Campsite

Standard Campsite

Southland

Tawanui Campsite

Standard Campsite

Southland

Purakaunui Bay Campsite

Standard Campsite

Southland

Jubilee Hut

Standard Hut

Coastal Otago

Mangahuia Campsite

Scenic Campsite

Tongariro

Mangawhero Campsite

Scenic Campsite

Tongariro

Catchpool Valley Campsite

Scenic Campsite

Lower North Island

Ōtamahua Hut

Standard Hut

Canterbury

Hawdon Shelter Campsite

Standard Campsite

Canterbury

Lyell Campsite

Standard Campsite

West Coast

Kohaihai Campsite

Standard Campsite

West Coast

Kōhanga Atawhai – Manson Nicholls Hut

Serviced Hut

West Coast

Kirwans Hut

Serviced Hut

West Coast

Gillespies Beach Campsite

Standard Campsite

West Coast

Lake Ianthe Matahi Campsite

Standard Campsite

West Coast

Mistletoe Flats Campsite

Standard Campsite

Canterbury

Wooded Gully Campsite

Standard Campsite

Canterbury

Big River Hut

Serviced Hut

West Coast

Slab Hut Creek Campsite

Standard Campsite

West Coast

Marble Hill Campsite

Standard Campsite

West Coast

Bushline Hut

Serviced Hut

Nelson Lakes

Contact

For media enquiries contact:

Email: media@doc.govt.nz

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