The "Great Walks" are a set of popular tramping tracks selected from throughout New Zealand. The tracks are maintained to a high standard, making it easier for visitors to explore some of the most scenic parts of New Zealand's back country. Huts are conveniently located, comfortable, well-equipped, and high capacity. These tracks are very popular with overseas visitors, partly due to their heavy promotion by the Department of Conservation and tourism operators. This popularity means there is no escaping the crowds on most of the Great Walks: if you are looking for solitude, look elsewhere. Otherwise, bring a sociable attitude, a deck of cards, and, perhaps, ear plugs. It may be wise to pack a tent as camping areas are commonly situated by huts to accommodate overflow. Guided walks are available through private operators along many of the walks.

Sunset at Heaphy Hut • By ellaleah. Licence: C.

There is no charge nor any permit required for access to the Great Walks. Charges and restrictions apply, rather, to overnight accommodation, whether in huts or tents.

More information:

The Great Walks are:

The Whanganui Journey in Whanganui National Park is not a walk at all, but rather a kayak voyage along New Zealand's longest navigable river. It is however managed under the Great Walks system. For more information, follow the link above to the DOC site.

Great Walks Seasons

Tracks are designated as Great Walks for a specified period each year which varies from track to track. This is the track's Great Walks season. Several of the tracks offer a Great Walks season of 6 or 7 months, while others offer a year-round season. During this season, Great Walks passes and bookings where applicable are required for hut and campsite use. Huts on some tracks are serviced with wardens, flush toilets, heating, gas for cooking, and other comforts. Outside the season, access is unrestricted, and facilities are minimal. There may be no fuel for heating, and the summer toilet block will be closed (a winter toilet will be available). Hut fees are low and may be paid with annual hut passes and hut tickets. Note that the tracks may be impassable outside the season, although day walks or overnight walks on the tracks can be very worthwhile. The winter scenery near the ends of the Routeburn Track is spectacular on a pleasant winter day, and a sight that summer visitors will never see.

waikaremoana • By moose. Licence: C.

Passes

During the Summer Season you must purchase a Great Walks Camping or Hut Pass from a Department of Conservation Field Centre or visitor centre before setting out. This pass is specific to the track you are walking and allows a specified number of nights camping or staying in huts (you can of course purchase a combination of hut and tent nights). These passes are specific to each track and expire after a specified date. With the exception of tracks that require bookings, Great Walks Passes may be used at any time before the expiry date but do not guarantee you a bunk in a hut: if you arrive late, you may be sleeping on the floor.

Bookings

Booking systems are being introduced progressively on the Great Walks for hut and campsite use. Bookings are required for several tracks, including the Routeburn, Milford, Lake Waikaremoana, and huts on the Abel Tasman Coast Track. Bookings restrict visitor numbers, but guarantee a campsite or bunk. Bookings may be arranged through the Great Walks Booking Desks.

Facilities

Huts on Great Walks are fitted with bunks or platforms with mattresses, drinking water, toilet, heating facilities and fuel. Cooking facilities may be available, although these may be in heavy demand. Wardens may be present in summer. Cooking utensils and other bedding are not provided. Wardens do not sell food or other products: trampers must be fully prepared.

Designated campsites provide water, sinks and toilets, and may have cooking shelters. They do not have cooking facilities. Unlike other tracks, there are charges for camping. Campsite charges are paid through a Great Walks Pass during the Summer Season. With the exception of these campsites, camping is prohibited within 500m of any Great Walk track at any time of the year. For the more adventurous, there are still opportunities for free camping on some Great Walks. For example, on the Routeburn Track you can easily walk up the grassy flats of the Route Burn North Branch for secluded free camping.

Old Routeburn Falls Hut 1989 • By martin.steffen.

Shelters on the Great Walks are provided for emergencies or for sitting out inclement weather, for lunch breaks, and as support for camping areas. Overnight use is generally prohibited.

Great Walks Booking Desks

To arrange bookings for the Milford or Routeburn Tracks, please contact:

Great Walks Booking Desk
Department of Conservation
PO Box 29
Te Anau
New Zealand

Ph. +64-3-249 8514
Fax +64-3-249 8515
Office hours: 9:00am-12:00 noon & 1:00pm-4:30pm Monday-Friday, May-October;
8:30am-5:00pm every day, November-April.

(New Zealand Standard Time is GMT + 12:00. Daylight saving adds one hour and applies between the first Sunday of October and the third Sunday of March, making GMT + 13:00.)

To arrange bookings for the Lake Waikaremoana Track, please contact:

Lake Waikaremoana Track Booking Desk
Aniwaniwa Visitor Centre
Private Bag 2213
Wairoa
New Zealand

Ph. +64-6-837 3900
Fax +64-6-837 3722