You’ve seen it on the news, heard it on the radio and read it about it online, the Great Walks are now open for bookings for the coming kiwi summer.
WHICH OF FIORDLAND’S GREAT WALKS ARE OPEN, WHAT’S SOLD OUT AND HOW YOU CAN GET OUT THERE!
With our borders closed, we have some of our most popular attractions – including New Zealand’s Great Walks to ourselves. “There’s never been a better time to travel in your backyard” rings true and now really is the time. Our backyard is pretty special and we want to help as many kiwis as possible, experience our great outdoors.
The opening of bookings for the Great Walks has come and gone. Some have sold out, others have loads of availability. We kiwi’s are notoriously last-minute at booking – well anything! Our ‘she’ll be right’ attitude works out sometimes, but not always. This means we miss out, on our first choice or, all together.
THE MOST POPULAR GREAT WALKS – WHAT’S STILL AVAILABLE?
With all the recent media attention on the tracks, it’s hard to know what is the most up to date information. The good news is, we’ve trawled through all the articles, and used our inside knowledge to provide you with a “state of the walking nation” summary. This will help you figure out if you need to panic, if your “she’ll be right” feeling will work in your favour, or if you’ve got some extra planning time up your sleeve!
FIORDLAND’S GREAT WALKS – THE MILFORD, ROUTEBURN & KEPLER TRACKS
MILFORD TRACK
Bookings: Open, but heavily sold out
Great Walks Season: 30 November 2020 – 30 April 2021
A massive storm tore through Fiordland in February of this year and caused significant damage to the last section of the Milford Track. Thankfully, in May, the Department of Conservation (DOC) announced the track would be repaired and open for the 2020/2021 Great Walks Season.
When the bookings for the Milford Track opened in early August, 97% of track dates were sold out within the first hour.
Currently, there’s sporadic availability, but it does pay to keep an eye out as there can be cancellations that pop up. If you are desperate to tick off the Milford Track this summer, talk to us! We have bookings for our international customers who might not be able to travel, and we can update you if anything becomes available.
If you’re flexible with your dates, you can also walk the Milford Track as a 3 Day/2 Night Southern MacKinnon Experience between the 27th October and 29th of November. Get in touch with us to find out more.
MILFORD TRACK TRANSPORT
If you secured a booking on the Milford Track – massive high five to you! You’ll now be starting to think about how you get to the track, and back. Check out our Milford Track Transport blog for all the options available, and how we can help.
ROUTEBURN TRACK
Bookings: Open, good availability February – April
Great Walks Season: 7 December 2020 – 30 April 2021
Parts of the Routeburn Track were also damaged during the February floods, but thankfully DOC is also repairing the Routeburn, ready for the 2020/2021 Great Walks season.
If you’re keen to tick off the Routeburn this summer, there’s plenty of availability from February through to April. Check out our Best time for Hiking in NZ Blog for the differences between hiking in summer and autumn. The huts at Lake Mackenzie and Routeburn Falls are heavily sold out early in the season and over the Christmas/New Years period, but Routeburn Flats Hut and camping is available if your set on a festive tramping trip!
ROUTEBURN TRACK TRANSPORT
The Routeburn can be walked in either direction and knowing which way is right for you, where to stay and how to get to the track, and back, can be a bit daunting. There are so many options – which is where we come in! Easyhike was born on the Routeburn. We know it like the back of our hands, along with all its quirks and tips to help you make the most of it. We can craft your perfect Routeburn Track experience including our convenient, safe and affordable car relocation or the bus.
KEPLER TRACK
Bookings: Open, availability throughout the season
Great Walks Season: 27 October 2020 – 30 April 2021
Thankfully, the Kepler Track wasn’t affected by the floods and it continues to showcase the best Fiordland has to offer. Even though the Great Walks season on the Kepler officially starts in late-October, it’s a great year-round option and experiencing it in the spring before the season opens can be the best time (keeping in mind weather conditions!).
The Kepler Track can be walked in either direction with three huts along the way. The Christmas/New Years period is sold out, but if you are flexible with your travel dates and walking direction, there is plenty of availability. Camping is also an option at selected sites.
KEPLER TRACK TRANSPORT
The Kepler Track is super accessible to Te Anau, which means more transport options. We recommend catching a water taxi from central Te Anau to Brod Bay and starting your hike from there. This option means you’ll get the best of both worlds. You get to the track quicker and make the most of the stunning views from New Zealand’s second-largest lake – Lake Te Anau.
Our transport package combines the water taxi with our efficient car relocation service, so your vehicle and a fresh pair of clothes will be waiting for you on your last day!
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU
If it’s your first time tramping and you’re unsure which track is right for you to start with, ask us!
Hiking on any of New Zealand’s Great Walks is a treat. We are here for you throughout your planning and journey.
Dedicated to ensuring you have the best experience possible, our friendly and local team are here to help. So, give us a call on 0800 327 944 or drop us an email – info@easyhike.co.nz.