The Department of Conservation (DOC) in New Zealand is gearing up to open its booking system for the 2024–2025 season. This move by DOC aims at accommodating the increasing influx of outdoor enthusiasts, according to a press release.
Kicking off tomorrow, April 9, with the South Island campsites and continuing with the North Island campsites on April 11, the DOC initiates the season’s bookings. The progression moves on with openings for hut reservations on April 16, Tōtaranui Campground on April 17, and expands to include exclusive lodges, cabins, and cottages beginning on April 18. The booking period for Momorangi Bay Campground will commence on April 23, concluding the staggered schedule aimed at simplifying the reservation process for a range of accommodations.
The bustling demand for New Zealand’s natural retreats highlights the necessity of this staggered approach, which aims to give individuals an opportunity to secure their preferred dates, especially when making multiple bookings.
“Not all facilities are subject to increase; just 21 out of nearly 1,300 campsites, huts, and cottages. Increases will take effect for these 21 sites from July 1, and they range from a NZ$5 to NZ$15 increase for the most popular huts, such as Hooker and Mueller huts in the Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park,” Cat Wilson, director of Heritage and Visitors, said in the press release.
In preparation for the upcoming season, which spans from July 1 to June 30, 2025, the DOC has conducted its annual pricing review, leading to adjustments in the rates of 21 high-demand sites.
“More people using DOC’s most popular huts means higher upkeep and maintenance costs, New Zealand has a huge variety of facilities with price points for all budgets, including many that are free for everyone to enjoy. We recommend booking huts, campsites, and cottages early to secure popular dates and times,” Wilson added.
For more information about the upcoming campsite bookings in New Zealand, check here.