Date:  23 June 2020

“DOC’s 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 our huts provide shelter and accommodation to thousands of trampers each year,” says Ross Shearer, DOC’s Booking Services Manager.

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 accommodation 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, including families.

Alongside accommodation on the Great Walks, all DOC’s lodges, cabins and cottages, about a quarter of DOC campsites and a small fraction of DOC huts are bookable. On Thursday 25 June, bookings open for the majority of these facilities for the 2020/2021 season (1 July 2020 – 30 June 2021). To book, customers will need to create a user account online which they can do from today. Ross Shearer recommends creating an account in advance of making a booking, especially for popular destinations, or anywhere during summer holidays.

Create a user account for the new booking service.

“After the amazing popularity of Great Walks this year, we’re advising people to get in early and secure their dates to avoid disappointment.”

“Our bookable huts and campgrounds include some extremely popular destinations including Pinnacles and Woolshed Creek hut on Mt Somers Walkway in mid Canterbury and Uretiti Beach and Urupukapuka campgrounds in Northland.”

“The new system will give people the ability to make and manage their own bookings online rather than needing to contact a visitor centre. It will also enable back country pass holders to use their passes when making a booking.”

Ross Shearer reminds customers to stay safe outdoors and to prepare well for their trip.

“While the new booking system has the advantage of being able to provide customers with safety and advice prior to their trip, is important to plan in advance, check the weather and conditions, and take all the warm clothes, food and equipment you might need.”  

DOC accommodation

• DOC manages a huge range of bookable and non-bookable (i.e. first come first served) accommodation in conservation areas right across New Zealand.
• 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.
• On Thursday 25 June 2020, 38 campgrounds, 20 huts and 24 lodges, cabins and cottages can be booked for 2020/21.
• A further 9 campsites, 5 huts and 4 lodges will open for bookings in July and August 2020.
• User accounts can be created from today (23 June 2020). Visit https://bookings.doc.govt.nz/Web
• Customers with Great Walk accounts will still need to create a new account on the Huts and Campsites system.
• To find out more about DOC accommodation options, including booking and how to pay, visit: doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay

Contact