The Department of Conservation believes overcrowding in its Tongariro National Park huts should now be a thing of the past as all are on a DOC booking system.
Instead of people sleeping on every surface when too many people arrive, visitors will know they have a secured bed for the night after a day naturing in the national park, it says.
Bookings will also ensure the right fees are paid, helping DOC maintain huts for their continued use.
Tongariro principal ranger heritage and visitors Stu Smith says the change will bring certainty for visitors.
“Some people love a last-minute mission into Tongariro National Park, but it’s never fun if you end up with 30 other people stacked in like sardines, or you’re forced to sleep outside in the rain without a tent.
“With booking, you can still be spontaneous and book last-minute but booking in advance will ensure you don’t miss out altogether.
“Your booking is adjustable, and it also means we can contact you if changes in track or weather conditions might affect your plans,” Smith says.
Backcountry huts are always unlocked and available as emergency shelter to those who need it.
Any huts currently in the Backcountry Hut Pass will continue to be included, with users able to make a booking online with the relevant pass.
Bookings for these facilities opened on December 2 for stays beginning from Friday, December 5.
Bookable huts in Tongariro National Park are:
- Blyth Hut
- Mangaehuehu Hut
- Mangaturuturu Hut
- Rangipo Hut
- Whakapapaiti Hut
- Waihohonu Hut
- Mangatepopo Hut
DOC announced in late November that 45 sites nationwide (22 huts and 23 campsites) were to become bookable this month, with no change to the cost of staying in them.
The department manages a range of around 950 huts in total, with the vast majority non-bookable.
