From July this year, staying in a DOC hut will be more expensive.

The price increase is the first in 15 years,  with DOC updating accommodation prices for huts, lodges and some campsites.  Standard hut fees will increase from $5 to $10 and serviced hut fees will move from $15 to $25. Particular areas of interest include the West Coast’s Paparoa Track and off-season rates for huts on some Great Walks.

DOC’s director of heritage and visitors, Cat Wilson, said some recreation facility prices haven’t changed in 15 years and don’t reflect present-day costs. “DOC is operating under increased budget pressures from rising construction and maintenance costs, reduced revenue due to the impacts of Covid-19, and extreme weather events such as Cyclone Gabrielle. Visitor charges contribute to recovering the costs of providing DOC’s recreation accommodation, and balance the cost burden between users and taxpayers.”

Wilson said fees helped support investment into recreation facilities to maintain, repair and improve experiences. 

“Paparoa’s hut prices will increase to a level similar to other popular Great Walks. Different fees for international visitors will also be applied to the Paparoa Track during the summer period, which will be at a rate of 1.5 times domestic hut fees.”