How to Book Huts and Campsites on New Zealand's Great Walks (2025 Guide)
- Natty Knees
- May 12
- 3 min read
Updated: May 19
If you're planning to hike one of New Zealand's legendary Great Walks, booking huts or campsites is a key step and it can be just as competitive as scoring tickets to a sold-out concert. Here's everything you need to know to secure your spot and prepare for a successful adventure.
Why You Need to Book
All of New Zealand's Great Walks have a limited daily capacity to protect their fragile ecosystems. To hike them, you'll need to book Department of Conservation (DOC) huts or campsites in advance (except for the Hump Ridge Track, which uses a separate booking system).
When Do Bookings Open?
The Great Walks season typically runs from late October to April, and bookings for the upcoming season open the May prior. Each walk has its own booking release date, so check the DOC website in early April to stay updated.
Pro Tip: Treat it like booking concert tickets - popular tracks like Milford, Routeburn, and Able Tasman can book out within minutes of going live.
Can I walk outside the Great Walks season?
Some Great Walks can be hiked year-round, but some should be walked during the Great Walks season. Outside the Great Walks season facilities are greatly reduced and should only be attempted by fit, experienced, and well-equipped hikers (ice-axe, crampons, trail finding abilities) with risks of avalanches in alpine sections.
We rarely walk outside the Great Walks season, preferring to hike in the hotter summer months, usually late February and March when the weather in NZ tends to be warmer and more settled.
Booking Tips: How to Get a Spot
If you miss out: Don't panic. Cancellations happen often - keep checking back or have a backup walk ready.
Check the DOC site in March for booking release dates
Create a DOC login well in advance
Log in 10 minutes early on booking day
You will be placed into a queue and a booking window will open when your next in line
Have group details ready: Names, ages, and nationalities
Book huts in order and direction of your walk
You'll have 15 minutes to complete payment
DOC Huts: What to Expect
DOC huts are basic but functional. During the Great Walks season, they typically include:
Kitchen but bring your own cookware
Gas cookers (except for Abel Tasman and Lake Waikaremoana)
Running Water
Bunks with mattresses (bring your own sleeping bag/pillow)
Toilets (flushing or long drop, usually with TP but BYO just in case)
Fireplace (with fuel)
No electricity (bring a headlamp and power bank)
During the Great Walks season rangers are stationed at each hut to ensure everyone arrives safely and checks bookings. At 6-7PM each night, hut rangers give a talk about the area, trail conditions, and safety tips. They'll also advise if it's unsafe to continue due to the weather.
DOC Campsites: The Budget-Friendly Option
Most Great Walks (except Milford, Paparoa, Hump Ridge) allow camping. Campsites have:
Running water
Pit toilets
Usually located near the huts
Freedom camping is allowed on some walks, 500m off the trail, but the natural terrain of these remote areas mean finding a suitable spot can be challenging, so this is not recommended.
First-time multi-day hikers? Consider booking huts - less gear to carry and more comfort!
Hump Ridge Track: A Different Experience
The Hump Ridge Track is run by the Hump Ridge Trust and offers a step up in comfort (and cost)
What's included
Heated, solar-powered lodges
Flushing toilets, hot showers (with token)
Fully equipped kitchens (except refrigerators)
Meals for purchase (cook-yourself)
Private room options and bedding for hire
Licensed bar and snacks
Costs: What You’ll Pay
Huts: $30-$92 per night (higher in peak season
Campsites: $14-$25 per night
Hump Ridge Lodges: Significantly higher cost, but more amenities. Approx $445-$2195
International visitors pay more than NZ residents
While some balk at the cost, remember: your fees go toward track maintenance and conservation. These facilities are in remote, hard-to-reach places, and maintaining them isn't cheap.
Final Tips for a Smooth Booking
Be flexible: Have multiple dates and alternative walks in mind.
Use a fast internet connection and refresh often.
Be ready to pay quickly once you get your spots.
Don't be discourage, cancellations happen all the time! Check back regularly.
Useful Links
For more info on each track, gear, transport and accommodation recommendations check out On the slowdown for more local insights.
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