It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for – DOC huts and campsites will reopen during level 2.

“This is a very positive development and will come as a relief to the thousands of New Zealanders who have wanted to get into the great outdoors,” DOC director of heritage and visitors Steve Taylor said.

At Alert Level 2, all DOC facilities, including huts and campsites, will reopen for public use, but there’s a catch.

To maintain the government’s guidelines for gatherings, bookable accommodation is capped to 10 people and there can be no more than 10 people at any of the larger non-bookable huts.

“At all huts, appropriate physical distancing is required – people should bring a tent to be certain,” Taylor said.

“It’s important under Alert Level 2 that visitors take responsibility for their own health and hygiene. We all need to look out for each other to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

DOC will undertake the normal checks of facilities, including some cleaning, but visitors are being asked to clean facilities before and after using them.

Visitors will also be responsible for being able to trace their own contacts during their visit. This includes leaving intentions with a trusted contact and putting their details in hut intentions books.

DOC’s bookable accommodation system will be open from 10am on Thursday.