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New booking figures from the Department of Conservation show strong demand for bookable facilities across New Zealand, with more than 33,000 bookings processed during a two-week opening period.
More than 400 facilities, including Great Walks, huts, lodges and campsites, opened for bookings during the period. DOC says improvements to its online booking system and queue management tools helped complete the process in around half the usual timeframe.
Strong demand for outdoor experiences
DOC director heritage and visitors Cat Wilson says the results highlight the enduring popularity of New Zealand’s outdoor experiences.
“New Zealand’s Great Walks, huts and campsites remain world-class experiences people are incredibly passionate about.
“We saw strong demand from both domestic and international visitors, with people logging in from around the world to secure bookings and plan trips right across the country.”
Milford and Routeburn lead demand
The Milford Track once again proved one of the most sought-after experiences, selling out in just 34 minutes and attracting a peak of 13,500 users, a new record and up from 12,000 users last year.
International visitors accounted for 34 per cent of bookings on both the Milford and Routeburn tracks.
This year’s standout performer was the Routeburn Track, which attracted 13,100 users at peak demand, making it one of DOC’s busiest booking days on record.
“It was exciting to see such strong interest right across all the Great Walks, not just on the traditional headline tracks,” Cat says.
“The Routeburn numbers in particular show people are increasingly looking at a wider range of incredible outdoor experiences across Aotearoa.”
Domestic visitors dominate Paparoa
New Zealanders continued to dominate bookings on some experiences, particularly the Paparoa Track, where domestic visitors accounted for 93 per cent of bookings.
International visitors booked from 70 countries, with Australia accounting for 43 per cent of international bookings, followed by the United States (15 per cent), the United Kingdom (6 per cent), Germany (5 per cent) and Canada (4 per cent).
| Measure | Result |
|---|---|
| Total bookings processed | More than 33,000 |
| Facilities opened | More than 400 |
| Milford Track sell-out time | 34 minutes |
| Milford Track peak users | 13,500 |
| Routeburn Track peak users | 13,100 |
| Paparoa Track domestic bookings | 93 per cent |
| Countries represented | 70 |
While some of the most popular Great Walk dates filled quickly, DOC says opportunities remain available for people planning outdoor adventures.
The department is encouraging visitors to regularly check for cancellations and new availability, consider travelling outside peak periods and public holidays, and explore lesser-known tracks, campsites, backcountry huts and short walks.
Facilities beyond the Great Walks also recorded strong demand, including huts, lodges and campsites, reflecting growing interest in nature-based recreation across New Zealand.
