Great Walks myth busting By Department of Conservation
W
e’ve been blown away by the interest New Zealander’s have shown over the last couple of years in undertaking a Great Walk. Last year, defying all expectations with borders closed, on the first day of bookings opening for each walk, numbers were up an average of 40% compared to the previous year. This year, they were up another 70%! But that doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance get out on a Great Walk this year as you’ll see below. The flip side of all this interest has meant there’s been a wee bit of misinformation going around about
space available and 95% of campsites available. The Milford Track is the only Great Walk that has sold out so far and even that will have cancellations across the year. You may not be able to book a party of 25 into huts on the Routeburn over New Year, but there are still PLENTY of opportunities to get out there. Top tip: Great Walks with the most hut capacity currently include the Whanganui River Journey, Myth #1: The Great Walks Tongariro Northern Circuit, Lake Waikaremoana, Heaphy, Rakiua and are all booked out No they aren’t – not even close! Abel Tasman Coast tracks (see graph Across the network of 10 Great opposite page. Walks, there’s about 45% of hut Myth #2: It’s just the Milbooking onto our Great Walks and even the odd conspiracy theory. From people seeking to know if we had given all the best spots to tourism businesses even before bookings opened, to claims that bulk bookings were being made by bots or, heaven forbid, Australians (seriously people), we’ve seen it all this year. So we’ve written this blog to tackle the most common misconceptions and provide advice on how best to bag your spot.
ford right?
We have ten Great Walks and they are all epic. While everyone who has done it during a reasonable weather window would probably agree, the Milford is pretty special, there are nine other mind-blowingly beautiful Great Walks out there offering walking (plus biking and paddling) opportunities throughout the year. Top tip: If it’s diversity of scenery, incredible nature (including takahē) and lush rainforest you’re after, try the Heaphy. Left: Takahē on the Heaphy Track. Photo Jake Osbourne
6 Walking New Zealand, issue no 282 - 2021
www.walkingnewzealand.co.nz
