DOC hut tickets can now be bought online

Trampers can now pay for a night in a Department of Conservation non-bookable hut online, without calling in at a visitor centre or retailer first.

A ticket costs $15 per adult, per night. DOC Visitor Services Manager Cameron Hyland says the change is about making trips simpler to plan and hut fees simpler to pay.

“It’s a simple change that makes planning a naturing backcountry trip more convenient, particularly for people heading away at short notice,” said Hyland.

Buyers choose the hut and the date of their stay, then pay online. An email confirmation follows. Visitors can download the ticket, save a screenshot, print a copy or note the confirmation number as proof of payment.

There is no need for mobile coverage at the hut, as long as visitors have saved their ticket details before heading away.

A ticket does not reserve a bunk

Hyland says non-bookable huts will keep operating as they do now, with bunks available on a first-come, first-served basis. If a hut is full, or weather or safety conditions change plans, the ticket for that date can be used at another non-bookable hut.

Backcountry Hut Pass and paper tickets

From 1 November, the Backcountry Hut Pass covers the same non-bookable huts that accept electronic tickets. The annual pass price has reduced from $160 to $140 because bookable huts are no longer included. Like a ticket, the pass does not guarantee a bunk.

People with standard paper Backcountry Hut Tickets can keep using them until 1 November 2027. Retail sales of paper tickets will be phased out over time.

People who can’t buy online can ask someone to buy a ticket for them or contact a DOC visitor centre for help. DOC huts remain available as emergency shelter to anyone who needs them, whether or not they have paid a hut fee.