Waikaremoana walk to cost more

The cost of doing the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk is to increase this year, along with the other Department of Conservation Great Walks around New Zealand. Picture supplied

by Ryan O’Sullivan

Hiking  enthusiasts for the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk will have to pull out some extra coins from their wallets.

The Department of Conservation (DoC) is increasing the price of their Great Walk facilities, including Waikaremoana.

DoC director of heritage and visitors Cat Wilson said it had been four years since prices were reviewed.

“Upkeep costs have risen significantly since then.”

From July 1, Great Walk hut and campsite prices will increase by 18 percent, with an exception for Paparoa which will increase by 6 percent.

“While Great Walk fees do not cover the full costs, the revenue raised contributes to maintaining, repairing and improving the huts, campsites, tracks and structures and balances the cost burden between users and taxpayers,” said Ms Wilson.

“While 18 percent is a sizeable increase, the prices were last reviewed in 2019/20 and research shows the fees paid to DoC for these Great Walks are typically just a small proportion of the overall cost of people’s trip.”

Fees for international visitors will remain at a 50 percent premium above New Zealand resident fees on most Great Walks. International rates do not apply to the Waikaremoana walk.

Ms Wilson said DoC was under increased budget pressure from rising construction and maintenance costs and reduced revenue due to the impacts of inflation, extreme weather events including Cyclone Gabrielle, and other economic pressures on New Zealand.

“As part of the review, we are also reintroducing youth and child fees (5-17 years) for the Great Walk facilities, which will be 50 percent of the adult fees.”

■  Opening dates for booking huts, campsites and Great Walks for 2024/25 will be announced in April.