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Why You Need to Book New Zealand’s Great Walks Early – & How We Can Help.

If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, whether it’s the famous Milford Track, the stunning Abel Tasman Coast Track, or the rugged Old Ghost Road, one thing is certain: you need to plan ahead. These tracks are among the most sought-after hikes in the world, and booking early is the only way to secure your spot.

Taking in the stunning sights on the Routeburn Track

While the Great Walks are world-famous, New Zealand is full of equally breathtaking hiking experiences—many of which offer more availability, fewer crowds, and the same wow-factor. At Great Walks of New Zealand, we not only help you secure those iconic spots, but also guide you to hidden gems that offer unforgettable adventures off the beaten path.

When Do Great Walks Bookings Open?

Each year, the Department of Conservation (DOC) has set release dates for hut and campsite bookings for New Zealand’s Great Walks, covering the upcoming walking season from October to April. This means if you’re planning a trek for the peak months of January, March, or April, you’ll need to book as soon as availability opens—otherwise, you might miss out entirely.

No better place to sit and relax then at Heaven's Door | Janet Oldham

Tracks like the Milford and Routeburn often sell out within minutes, while the Queen Charlotte and Abel Tasman tracks quickly book up for the summer. Even lesser-known gems like the Nydia Track and Heaphy Track see rising demand, meaning the earlier you plan, the better.

Why You Need to Book Your Great Walk Early

If you’ve ever searched for “how to book a Great Walk in New Zealand” or “best time to book Milford Track”, you’ve probably realised how competitive these bookings can be. Here’s why early planning is essential:

Limited Availability Means High Competition

Most of the official Great Walks have strict daily quotas and some require permits. The Milford Track, for example, allows for only 40 independent walkers per day, and once huts are booked, no additional spots are available.

Peak Season Demand Fills Fast

January, March, and April are the most popular months for hiking in New Zealand. This means that by the time you start looking in July or August, your preferred start date could already be fully booked.

Guided Trips and Premium Options also Sell Out

Many hikers opt for guided walks to make their experience seamless—complete with expert guides, accommodation, and meals. But these spots are often just as limited as group sizes are kept small per scheduled departure and lodge accommodation are also small with limited rooms per lodge.

Sunsetting over Southland, New Zealand | Liz Carlson

What If I Miss Out on a Great Walk?

Not to worry - your dream New Zealand hiking trip is still possible. Alongside the iconic Great Walks, we offer a wide range of guided and self-guided hiking experiences across the country to choose from. These include:

Waiheke Island Walks – Stunning coastal views, vineyard stops, and art-filled trails—just a short ferry from Auckland.
Island Hills High Country Walks – A unique private track through high country farmland and native bush, with cozy cabins and starry skies.
Gillespie and Upper Wilkin hikes – Truly remote adventures perfect for those looking to go further off-grid.
The Best of Kepler, Milford & Routeburn – Three iconic walks where space is generally not an issue if you miss out on hut bookings.
Banks Peninsula, Nydia Track, and other self-guided gems – These lesser-known tracks often have more availability and just as much beauty.

Happy group about to be guided through the Island Hills trails

How can I increase my chances of getting a booking?

Be flexible with your dates – Having a few options increases your chances.
Plan early – Book as soon as you are ready so that we can work on assisting you getting your preferred departure (especially where DOC huts are involved).
Join our e-news to get priority updates, advice and trip ideas for when things get busy

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late – Start Planning Now

Every year, we see disappointed hikers who waited too long to book. If you’re serious about walking one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, don’t leave it to chance. Let us take care of the hard work for you—from booking your hut or lodge, to planning every detail of your trip, we are here to offer you the best advice, and pivot for you when your first choice is not available.

We can’t guarantee availability—bookings move fast—but you’ll be the first to hear about any new spots, exciting new trips and ideas for when your chosen walk is not available.

Join our newsletter or get in touch to stay in the loop—walks sell out quickly, and we’ll help you be ready when bookings open.

Dates and bookings will be ready online from Friday 28th March, ahead of the official Great Walks booking season.

Set your calendar and don’t let your dream hike pass you by.