Tracks are expected to book out fast. Photo: Unsplash / Mac Gaither
Bookings will open later this month for the country's 10 Great Walks and for the first time since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, free of any restrictions.
The Conservation Department says it expects interest will be very high from both local and international international visitors.
Last year, even with uncertainty around Covid-19, the big three walking tracks, Milford, Kepler and Routeburn were booked out very quickly.
Milford will kick off the booking season on 20 April, followed by progressively by other tracks later in the month.
The only track closed is Lake Waikaremoana due to storm damage and booking details are yet to be confirmed, according to DOC.
The department is also working towards having the Hump Ridge Track attaining Great Walk status in October this year.
Conservation Minister Willow-Jean Prime said the opening marked the return of international tourists for the full season.
"We know Kiwis and international travellers alike love our Great Walks with a passion," she said.
"When bookings opened this time last year, our borders still faced pandemic restrictions and tourists weren't able to plan their visits with complete confidence. Now it's very much a warm welcome to the world, to walk alongside New Zealanders."
She said there was plenty to get excited about on all the epic walks though Milford, Routeburn and Kepler always tend to book out very quickly.
"Climbing over old lava flows on the Tongariro Northern Circuit, looking out for kiwi on Rakiura and takahē on the Heaphy, following the footsteps of goldminers on the Paparoa, paddling down the Whanganui River and staying at a marae - every Great Walks experience is special."
She encourages people to plan ahead and think carefully about which walk was most suitable for them.
"In announcing the season opening, I also want to recognise the huge amount of biodiversity work which goes into the Great Walks network through the Department of Conservation's partnership with mana whenua - iwi, hapū and whānau, and community groups and businesses.
"This includes a 10-year partnership with Air New Zealand which invests in six large Great Walks biodiversity projects," Willow-Jean Prime said.
Booking opening dates
Thursday 20 April 2023, 9.30am
Milford Track
Wednesday 26 April 2023, 9.30am
Kepler Track
Abel Tasman Coast Track
Rakiura Track
Whanganui Journey
Thursday 27 April 2023, 9.30am
Routeburn
Paparoa Track
Tongariro Northern Circuit
Tuesday 16 May 2023, 9.30am
*Heaphy Track - following extreme weather damage in 2022, the Heaphy Track can be booked from either end up to 19 October, with the full track expected to be open later in the year.
Still to be confirmed
Lake Waikaremoana - is closed until at least 30 April 2023 due to flood damage. Check the Ngāi Tūhoe website for updates. The DOC website will also have alerts.
