The Department of Conservation (New Zealand) has announced the opening dates for the next season’s campsites, huts, and lodges reservations.
According to a report, bookings for the 2022-23 camping season will begin early April and are staggered to offer those who book multiple times better chances of getting the dates of their choice. The season begins on July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023.
Reservation for South Island huts, lodges, and most campsites will open on April 5, and those for the North Island will open on April 7.
Momorangi Bay Campground in the Marlborough Sounds will open on April 12, and Tōtaranui Campsite in Abel Tasman National Park will be open on April 14. Great Walks reservations will open at the beginning of May, with dates to be announced shortly.
DOC Heritage and Visitors Director Steve Taylor suggests booking in advance to secure the most popular dates and times.
This upcoming year, there will be minor changes to camping fees as part of DOC‘s regular price reviews.
“DOC is focused on ensuring New Zealanders have a wide and accessible range of opportunities to get into nature,” Steve Taylor said.
“Visitor charges are a way of giving back to nature and mitigating visitor impacts, as well as ensuring the people who use these facilities contribute to the costs of providing them.”
Steve Taylor stated that DOC has also decided to put off the implementation of any further differential pricing for international tourists beyond the Great Walks.
This article originally appeared on Voxy Co New Zealand.