Francesca Rudkin: Spending the night in our national parks is a privilege I don't mind paying extra for

If you’re keen to walk one of the country’s 10 Great Walks, bookings open later this month for this coming season, the first season since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic when there are no restrictions.  

The Conservation Department says it expects interest will be very high from Kiwis and international visitors. A bit like old times! The Milford, Kepler and Routeburn are hugely popular and book out pretty quickly, so it’s great to have new options on the table such as the West Coast’s Paparoa Track.  

It will cost a little more to tramp or ride the Paparoa Track this season, as DOC at the end of the week announced they are increasing hut costs to be in line with some of the other Great Walks.  

I fast-packed the Paparoa Track last November, staying one night in the Pororari Hut. It cost $35. I remember thinking at the time, snuggled up in the Hut surrounded by amazing views after a long day filled with amazing views - $35 is ridiculous for this.  

The price is rising to $45.00 for an adult, still less than a night in a hut on the Milford which will cost you $78, or $68 per night on the Routeburn or Kepler. As well as increases on the Paparoa Track, standard hut fees will increase from $5 to $10 and serviced hut fees will move from $15 to $25.  

This is the first adjustment to hut category fees since 2008, and I don’t think we can complain.  

Here’s why:

For many of us, getting to a Great Walk costs much more than doing the walk - unless you’re doing one of those fancy tours where people cook and carry for you. Most of us have to fly, drive, find accommodation and organise pickups or drop offs, just to get to the start of a Great Walk. It’s a costly exercise, and why I’m not on a track more often.  

While I appreciate the cost of spending time in our great outdoors should be affordable to all Kiwis, a night in a hut is likely the lowest cost of the whole trip. So an extra $10 a night isn’t too much of a stretch.   

Then there’s the fact these fees help maintain, repair and improve experiences at huts and campsites, lodges, cottages, and cabins. Tracks and huts exist in some of the most remote places in the country and experience extreme weather; it’s no easy task keeping them in good condition.  

Fees also help balance the cost burden between users and taxpayers. I know not everyone loves the idea of lying on a plastic covered mattress in a shared room and having to dash outside to the loo.   

It’s a privilege to spend a night or two in our national parks, and I don’t mind paying for it. Honestly, I’m surprised we’re not paying much more. And let’s not forget there are many ways we can enjoy our outdoors without it costing us. It may be a day hike, a bike ride or a paddle; we can all enjoy the parks in different ways.  

First cost increase since 2008 - it’s hard to complain.  

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