Bookings with DOC for New Zealand’s 11 Great Walks, along with associated huts and campsites for the 2026/27 season, will open from 12 May.
To ensure fair access, booking dates are staggered over several days, with releases scheduled for either 9:30 am or 12 pm depending on the track. This phased system allows people planning multiple trips to manage their bookings more easily and reduces pressure on the system at peak times.
DOC’s upgraded online platform, introduced last year, will again feature a virtual queue to help handle high demand and provide a smoother user experience.
Acting Director of Heritage and Visitors, Carly Strausberg, noted that these walks remain among the world’s most iconic multi-day experiences, with demand continuing to rise.
Last summer, many huts operated near capacity, particularly on the Milford and Abel Tasman Coast Tracks, which reached about 95 per cent occupancy, while the Kepler Track followed closely.
Despite this, campsites often remained available. Strong growth was also seen on tracks such as Lake Waikaremoana and Heaphy, reflecting recovery from earlier severe weather and continued interest from both domestic and international visitors.
Opening dates for Great Walk accommodation
(For stays from 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027. Bookings open 9:30 am on listed dates.)
- Tuesday, 12 May – Paparoa Track
- Wednesday, 13 May – Milford Track
- Thursday, 14 May – Abel Tasman Coast Track
- Friday, 15 May – Routeburn Track
- Tuesday, 19 May – Kepler Track
- Wednesday, 20 May – Heaphy Track, Whanganui Journey, Lake Waikaremoana Track
- Thursday, 21 May – Tongariro Northern Circuit, Rakiura Track
Note: Hump Ridge Track bookings are managed separately and can be booked up to two years in advance.