More huts on Te Araroa now bookable as DOC moves online
Te Araroa Trust has welcomed the Department of Conservation’s move to bring more huts and campsites on Te Araroa onto its online booking system.
DOC announced last week that a further 62 huts and campsites throughout New Zealand are now bookable, most on busy sections of Te Araroa in Canterbury and Nelson/Tasman, including huts through Richmond Forest Park.
From 1 November, Backcountry Hut Tickets for non-bookable huts will also be available online.
Te Araroa Trust Chief Executive Matt Claridge said the changes are a positive step for walkers and for the trail.
“Booking gives walkers more certainty, eases pressure on the busiest huts and gives registered walkers with the Trail Pass more certainty. We fully support DOC’s direction,” he said.
With booking becoming standard on more of the trail, the Te Araroa Trail Pass makes planning simpler. Registered walkers with the pass have already paid for 71 DOC huts and campsites along Te Araroa, so they book as usual with the cost already covered.
“It’s about making the trail easier to plan and walk, with less headaches or worries” Matt Claridge said.
Walkers can register at teararoa.org.nz/register-to-walk. The Trail Pass is included for full trail and South Island walks, and covered huts and campsites can be booked from the Trail App, direct to DOC’s online system.