Date:  26 January 2021

DOC has been following Ministry of Health advice on where the codes need to be displayed and until now has made the codes visible at all visitor centres and at serviced campsites.

DOC’s Director Heritage and Visitors, Steve Taylor says “We’re confident our online hut booking system already ensures our most popular huts have an effective contact tracing system in place.

“However, we acknowledge that having QR codes clearly visible encourages people to follow the right behaviours and the practice of scanning regularly.”

DOC has been working with the Ministry of Health, and as part of the All of Government response to COVID-19 it has reviewed its guidance on the use of QR codes at visitor facilities.

“DOC will be rolling out additional QR codes at Great Walks huts, along with serviced huts. Staff will also be displaying codes at toilets and shelters at high-use road ends.”

While the risk of spreading COVID-19 is low in the backcountry, DOC believes it can do better to help the Ministry of Health in encouraging a greater uptake of the COVID-19 app for contact tracing.

Background information: advice for visitors

This year it’s more important than ever to be well-prepared for your trip, practice good hygiene and stay safe:

• Stay healthy - Keep a record of where you’ve been in case contact tracing is needed, use QR codes where they are available, or add a manual entry. Remember to practice good hygiene to reduce the spread of illness and stay home if you are unwell.

• Know your limits and choose the right activity for you and your group.

• Check DOC’s website, pop into the local visitor centre, and know the weather and track conditions before you set out.

• On the day, tell someone your plans and make sure you take all you need including appropriate clothes and footwear, plenty of food and water, extra clothing and a distress beacon, whether you are heading out on land or water.

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