The Department of Conservation announced today it would be increasing the price of Great Walk facilities while reestablishing youth and child fees and introducing discounts for those with community service cards amid "increased budget pressure".
Almost all of the Great Walks would have increased hut and campsite prices by 18%, with the exception of Paparoa on the West Coast which would increase by 6%, said director of heritage and visitors Cat Wilson.
These changes would come into affect on July 1.
"It has been more than four years since prices were reviewed and upkeep costs have risen significantly since then," Wilson said.
"While Great Walk fees don’t 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."
Wilson said prices were last reviewed in 2019 and 2020 and fees paid contributed to "just a small proportion" of the overall cost of trips.
"Great Walk experiences continue to be affordable, with options ranging from $19 to camp on the Abel Tasman to $92 for a hut on the Milford Track at peak season for New Zealand residents."
The department also announced the reintroduction of half-price youth and child fees for 5-17 year-olds as part of the review.
The previously adopted "youth-go-free" approach did not noticeably increase children and youth participation on the Great Walks, Wilson said.
"In some cases, it was even used to hold places on the walks for free, then either not used or cancelled at the last minute, preventing others from being able to book a place on those dates."
Adjustments made to historical discount holders meant that the Department of Conservation was now able to offer a 25% discount to those with a community services card.
“There’s also changes to reward discounts for organisations contributing to conservation and recreation with the maximum discount reducing to 20%," said Wilson.
“No one likes a price increase. But it is great we’ve been able to offer more discounts to those New Zealanders doing it the hardest in the current economic climate.
“It is also worth noting that the country is incredibly well served with a huge variety of scenic Department of Conservation walks and facilities with price points for all budgets, including many that are free for everyone to enjoy."
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