DOC freezes campground & hut fees
08 Apr 2009
Visitors keen to experience New Zealand’s great outdoors are being given an added incentive to book early and enjoy a price freeze introduced by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
DOC has announced that it will not increase fees for huts and campgrounds on public conservation land this year. It will also continue to offer a family friendly policy of not charging under 18s to do any of New Zealand’s Great Walks.
Al Morrison, Director General of DOC, said it was common sense in challenging economic times to ensure that people could continue to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about increased charges.
Sustained revenue
Although international visitor numbers were declining, more New Zealanders were staying at home and enjoying camping and other outdoor experiences on the country’s extensive conservation land, which meant revenue was holding up, Morrison said.
DOC relies on honesty boxes in many areas and has appealed to the public to pay the modest fees charged for the use of facilities.
"When people use facilities without paying it puts extra pressure on and makes it harder to hold fees. It is unfair to the majority who do pay," he said.
Pricing took into consideration the standard of facilities and DOC says it works on the principle that fees ought not to be a significant barrier to people enjoying recreation in protected areas.
On-line booking
An on-line booking system has also been introduced by DOC allowing people to secure places in huts on the Great Walks two years ahead.
This would provide greater certainty for recreational users and tourism operators, enabling them to plan their trips well in advance, said Morrison.
DOC manages a network of 12,800km of tracks, 940 huts and 250 camp grounds throughout New Zealand. An estimated 33 million people visit conservation land each year and there are nine Great Walks in public conservation areas.
Booking early
New Zealand’s Great Walks are world famous, and last year the country was voted the best international walking destination by a British Walk magazine poll. Users of the website outdoorsmagic.com also named New Zealand as 'Best International Destination' in their annual awards.
Many of New Zealand’s walking tracks are open all year round but the popularity of guided walks means bookings are essential and with the peak season running from October to April, DOC is now concentrating on enquiries for next season.
More information:
Great walks
New Zealand's Nine Great Walks
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