Minister of Conservation Willow-Jean Prime has announced bookings for New Zealand’s iconic Great Walks will open from April 20, marking the return of international tourists for the full season.
“We know Kiwis and international travellers alike love our Great Walks with a passion.” Willow-Jean says.
“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.”
While the Department of Conservation expects interest to be very high, there will still be plenty of options when the Milford Track kicks off the bookings season on April 20
“While the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler always tend to book out very quickly, there’s plenty to get excited about on all the epic Great Walks,”
“Climbing over old lava flows on the Tongariro Northern Circuit, looking out for kiwi on Rakiura and takaha 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 says there are different experiences to be had everywhere; hiking, running, biking, or paddling; camping or staying in a hut; doing part of a walk or the whole thing.
“That huge variety and the unbeatable combination of wildlife, incredible scenery and limitless fresh air means it’s not surprising the interest is always strong.”
“It’s always really important to plan ahead for any outdoor adventure and I’d encourage people to think carefully about which walk is most suitable for you and your group.
“Work out what fitness, skills and equipment are required. Check on the expected track and weather conditions and find out how you can limit your impact on the environment.” says Willow-Jean
She says in announcing the season opening, she wants 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, hapa and whanau, and community groups and businesses. This includes a 10-year partnership with Air New Zealand which invests in six large Great Walks biodiversity projects.
“No matter which option you choose, each Great Walk will challenge your senses as you pass through our astonishing landscapes filled with cultural heritage and wildlife found nowhere else in the world.”
