Te Araroa Trust has teamed up with DOC to develop a trail pass for walkers for the 2024/25 season. The accommodation pass costs $195 and includes access to 71 huts and campsites on conservation land plus a 20 per cent discount on 10 bookable huts. For Te Araroa walkers, it effectively replaces the Backcountry Hut Pass and the use of hut tickets.

“Walkers have mentioned it would be easier to have one pass, and we’ve nearly got that now,” says Te Araroa Trust executive director Matt Claridge. “It ensures that those who aren’t inclined to pay are in the minority. With an effective product in place, that behaviour is actively discouraged.”

Claridge said the pass needs to be bought at the same time as registration and must be purchased by those registering to walk the entire trail or the South Island. It is optional for North Island walkers and section walkers.

As part of the move, 10 DOC huts that were previously serviced will become bookable: Anne Hut, Blue Lake Hut, Downes Hut, Greenstone Hut, Hamilton Hut, Hope Kiwi Hut, John Tait Hut, Lakehead Hut, Upper Travers Hut and West Sabine Hut. Among the routes affected are the St James Walkway, the Travers–Sabine and the Greenstone–Caples. These huts will continue to be booked through DOC. TA walkers can book them any time after purchasing the trail pass to be eligible for the discount.

DOC is yet to determine whether the huts should be bookable year-round or only during the peak season. 

Claridge said the revenue from the pass will go to DOC and funds will be used for trail development.

He also said that this season, the trust will trial voluntary wardens whose role will be to have a conversation with walkers who haven’t registered and encourage them to pay at the next opportunity.