Waikaremoana Great Walk receives largest increase in bookings among Great Walks

The Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk has had an 18% jump in bed night bookings for the 2025-2026 period, according to the Conservation Minister. Photo / Warren Buckland

An increase in bed nights booked this year for the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk is a good sign for conservation tourism and local businesses, says Conservation Minister Tama Potaka.

Great Walk bed night bookings across New Zealand are up by more than 10,000 compared with last year.

Potaka said in a press release that totalled more than 140,000 bed nights, bringing in more than $9 million to the Department of Conservation.

The Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk bed night opening day bookings totalled 7569 – 7053 New Zealanders and 516 overseas visitors – up 18% on last year.

It was the highest percentage increase across the country’s Great Walks.

A camper takes in the beauty of the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk.

“People across the world are dreaming of walking our beautiful whenua and Great Walks bookings are our golden tickets,” Potaka said.

In 2024, nearly three-quarters of international visitors said they did a hike, walk or tramp while in Aotearoa New Zealand, and around half visited a National Park.

Conservation-related tourism is worth around $3.4 billion a year to the country.

“This is great for local businesses, local jobs and incomes. Before and after their walk they stay, eat and adventure locally, injecting money into local economies,” Potaka said.

“The Government is backing sustainable conservation tourism that supports local economies.

“That’s why we will continue to invest funds from the International Visitor Levy into protecting and enhancing our biodiversity such as in Rakiura National Park.”

DoC’s list of the top 10 most popular campgrounds includes Anaura Bay on the East Coast.

The Department of Conservation says its campground in Anaura Bay (pictured) has made it into the top 10 DoC camping areas in New Zealand.