Bookings for NZ Great Walks reopen
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Bookings for NZ Great Walks reopen
Lovers of New Zealanders natural wonders will soon be able to experience them up close again following the announcement that bookings on Great Walks for 2020/21 will be taken from this week.
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New Zealand Department of ConservationNew Zealand’s Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage in Abel Tasman National Park.
New Zealand's gradual return to normal has continued with Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage declaring bookings on Great Walks for 2020/21 would be taken from this week.
Nature lovers will be able to plan their path along the country's premier tracks, excluding the Milford and Routeburn routes which are still undergoing storm repairs.
Bookings for these tracks are projected to open in July/August 2020.
Ms Sage encouraged people to get in while there was still time.
“For people who haven’t done a Great Walk previously, the 2020/21 season presents a fantastic opportunity to get out and experience nature in some of New Zealand’s most spectacular landscapes with iconic wildlife and rich history,” she said.
The view from the Milford Track. Source: New Zealand Department of Conservation via Tyler Ray Photography.
“With a high standard of tracks and facilities, they are accessible options for people wishing to connect with Aotearoa’s heritage and experience some of the best multi-day walks in the world.”
“As the Great Walks gain global recognition, it has become harder to secure a booking on to the most popular tracks at peak times.”
Over the last two summer Great Walks seasons (October to the end of April), the Department of Conservation (DOC) trialled ‘differential pricing’ (a higher price for international visitors) on four of the most popular Great Walks (Milford, Routeburn, Kepler and Abel Tasman Coast tracks).
Ms Sage said the trial informed DOC’s work to set and maintain a fair pricing system.
Walkers on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. Source: New Zealand Department of Conservation
“The trial has demonstrated the merits of differential pricing to improve access for New Zealand residents, more fairly distribute the running costs and ensure the fees reflect the true value of these world-class walks,” she said.
“But due to the impact of COVID-19 on our tourism industry and international travel, differential pricing won’t be in place this year.
"However, it’s now a tried and tested tool DOC can draw upon when setting accommodation prices for future years.”
DOC is advising those overseas not to book onto a Great Walk while New Zealand border restrictions remain in place.
DOC will retain a fee for international children on the Great Walks set at half the adult rate. This is to discourage overseas organisations from making speculative bulk bookings of Great Walks accommodation, which hold space that may not be used.
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