Cancel Christmas and get your credit cards ready – the Great Walk bookings are opening from June 9.

Beginning on Tuesday with the Rakiura and Heaphy tracks, eight of DOC’s 10 Great Walks will open up their bookings over three days.

Bookings for the Milford and Routeburn tracks, which remain partially closed, are expected to open in July or August.

Minister of Conservation Eugenie Sage says this is the time for Kiwis to book a Great Walk.

“For people who haven’t done a Great Walk previously, the 2020/21 season presents a fantastic opportunity to get out and experience nature,” she said.

DOC’s differential pricing trial, which saw international walkers pay a higher fee than Kiwis on four Great Walks, will be paused for the season.

“The trial has demonstrated the merits of differential pricing to improve access for New Zealand residents, more fairly distribute the running costs and ensure the fees reflect the true value of these world-class walks,” Sage said.

“But due to the impact of COVID-19 on our tourism industry and international travel, differential pricing won’t be in place this year.”

DOC is advising those overseas not to book onto a Great Walk while New Zealand border restrictions remain in place.

DOC will retain a fee for international children on the Great Walks set at half the adult rate. 

[table]Great Walks,Time,Book

Rakiura Track / Heaphy Track,Tuesday 9 June at 9.30am,Book Rakiura – Book Heaphy

Lake Waikaremoana / Paparoa Track / Whanganui Journey, Wednesday 10 June at 9.30am,Book Waikaremoana – Book Paparoa – Book Whanganui

Kepler Track / Abel Tasman Coastal Track / Tongariro Northern Circuit, Thursday 11 June at 9.30am, Book Kepler – Book Abel Tasman – Book Tongariro

Milford Track / Routeburn Track, July/August TBC,Book Milford – Book Routeburn[/table]