5 more Great Walks open for booking next week
Saturday, 1 June 2024
Trampers will be hoping improvements have been made to the Department of Conservation website ahead of more Great Walk bookings opening.
Bookings for the huts on the Routeburn Track and Paparoa Track open on June 5, then the Kepler Track, Heaphy Track and Tongariro Northern Circuit open on June 6.
DOC apologised on Tuesday after people were unable to get on the website to book Milford and Lake Waikaremoana tracks.
11,000 people were logged in just before bookings opened at 9.30am, DOC said.
The organisation was confident the system had been improved after it crashed in 2023.
DOC director of heritage and visitors Cat Wilson told Stuff Travel to have it happen again in 2024, was “a disappointing start to the bookings”.
“We are pretty disappointed it wasn’t the smooth experience we were hoping for and we will having conversations about how we can manage this next year.”
Bookings for the Abel Tasman Coast and Rakiura tracks and the Whanganui Journey opened on Thursday.
More than 3000 bookings had been made and there were less than a third of people online waiting to book as there were on Tuesday.
Wilson said the booking system performed well on Thursday, with no significant problems reported.
“Following the issues with the system in the first hour on Tuesday, the vendor identified a database configuration issue and resolved it.”
The Mountain Safety Council is urging people to research the soon-to-be available walks before booking, so they know which one is right for their group.
Routeburn Track, South Island
Straddling the Mt Aspiring and Fiordland national parks, the Routeburn Track is regarded by some as the ultimate alpine tramping experience. The 33km tramp takes most trampers three days to complete. Highlights include the beautiful Routeburn Valley, panoramic views of mountains and alpine lakes, and the impressive 174m Earland Falls.
Paparoa Track, South Island
The Paparoa Track offers both walking and cycling options through the remote and spectacular wilderness of the Paparoa National Park on the West Coast. Along the way, you’ll be treated (on a fine day) to stunning views of Lake Brunner, the main divide, Aoraki Mount Cook, Grey River/Māwheranui, Tasman Sea and more. The Pororari River Gorge is also spectacular.
Kepler Track, South Island
The Kepler Track near Te Anau in Fiordland National Park takes walkers into a spectacular alpine world, along tussock-covered ridges, with stunning views over Te Anau and the neighbouring mountain ranges. You’ll also experience the beautiful shorelines of lakes Te Anau and Manapouri, and stunning beech forest. The 60km loop takes most trampers/hikers four days to complete.
Heaphy Track, South Island
From expansive tussock downs to lush rainforests, luxuriant nīkau palms and the wild seas of the West Coast, the Heaphy Track in Kahurangi National Park offers a rich and varied outdoor experience. You may also catch a glimpse of spotted kiwi/roroa and takahē. The 78.4km track in the remote Kahurangi National Park takes walkers four to six days to complete. Mountain bikers can use this track between May 1 and November 30.
Tongariro Northern Circuit, North Island
The Tongariro Northern Circuit winds its way around the majestic Mount Ngāuruhoe through a unique volcanic landscape in the heart of Tongariro National Park. The track takes in the impressive Red Crater and Emerald Lakes. For those with the stamina, a side trip takes you to the stunning Tama Lakes. Most trampers take three to four days to complete this 44.9km circuit.
Here’s when booking open:
June 5 at 9.30am Routeburn Track and Paparoa Track.
June 6 at 9.30am Kepler Track, Heaphy Track and Tongariro Northern Circuit
The Mountain Safety Council reminded trampers embarking on a Great Walk or any outdoor adventure, to follow the NZ Land Safety Code.
Choose the right trip for you – learn about the route and make sure you have the skills for it.
Understand the weather – it can change fast. Check the forecast and change your plans if needed.
Pack warm clothes and extra food – prepare for bad weather and an unexpected night out.
Share your plans and take ways to get help – telling a trusted person your trip details and taking a distress beacon can save your life.
Take care of yourself and each other – eat, drink and rest, stick with your group, and make decisions together.
- with NZ Mountain Safety Council