A significant increase in bookings for New Zealand's Great Walks is not reflected in the numbers walking the standard tracks of Aspiring National Park, according to a spokesperson for the park.

"What our feeling is is that it's probably neutral – we haven't seen a massive surge, and people are focusing their trips on fine weather weekends at this stage," Caroline Ogle said..

"Obviously over the Christmas period when people have a bit more time this will change.

"I think with the Great Walks, that people have to book a spot is what makes the numbers so positive. People are taking advantage of the availability due to Covid and thinking this is a good year to do a Great Walk. There are no international tourists, and Kiwis can't leave the country, so they are taking advantage of what is at home."

Whakatipu District Acting Operations Manager Michel de Boulay said: “The Rees/Dart seems to be quieter than usual so far. During holiday periods there is an upswing but for the most part, fewer trampers.  On the Greenstone/Caples (non-Mt Aspiring National Park) there also seems to be fewer numbers overall, but with noticeable peaks and troughs.

“Feedback from our five serviced hut rangers indicates that until very recently we have experienced lower visitation than normal on our backcountry tracks. It’s hard to predict exactly how this year’s visitor season will go, with border restrictions in place, but what we’ve seen so far, and what we’re anticipating is that Kiwis will need activities closer to home or over weekends and holidays. That means some places will be busier and some quieter than in previous years,” de Boulay said. 

 “We’re pleased to report that since December 7, when the Routeburn opened up fully, we are full every night up at the Routeburn Falls hut, with an increase in daily visitors, and the Routeburn Flats hut has been three-quarters full,” he said. 

 “Our visitors are a mix of Kiwis and international residents exploring our great outdoors, the larger proportional seems to be New Zealanders from what we can tell, but do note that we don’t record data on the nationality of day walkers.”

DOCs strategy and insights manager Tim Bamford said that along with the Great Walks, there were also several overnights and shorter experiences that were accessible to all New Zealanders across the country.

"We are seeing a massive increase in popularity for these and Kiwis getting outdoors," he said.

DOC bookings data to 31 October 2020, showed 2020/21 Great Walks bed night bookings (excluding the Milford and Routeburn tracks which were operating reduced seasons this year due to storm damage) were up 23 per cent, and 93 per cent of them were made by New Zealanders.

"That is pretty extraordinary," said Minister of Conservation Kiri Allan. "And not only that, but the data also shows more people are set to undertake a Great Walk this year than ever.

"Equally surprising, across all 10 Great Walks, revenue is up to six per cent compared to the same time last year despite the loss of international visitors and the increased prices they were paying on the Milford, Routeburn, Kepler and Abel Tasman Great Walks.

"We know these numbers won't fully make up for the loss of international visitors to our tourism industry and economy. However, the flow-on effects will see people, regions and rural communities better supported through the current COVID crisis," Allan said.

Bamford said the popularity of the Great walks was "absolutely fantastic."

"We are excited to see the different types of New Zealanders and the numbers who are getting out there. It is pleasantly surprising.

"The Routeburn (Aspiring National Park) opened six days ago after a delayed start due to storm damage. Even so, the revenue of this iconic walk is still up, which is phenomenal, and so is the enthusiasm for New Zealanders to get out into their back yard. To places where they haven't had the time to explore before.

"The Paparoa Track on the West Coast has seen an increase on last year and bookings are up 50 per cent, which has contributed to bed nights.

Bamford said: "Do I think this is a one-off? Will the internationals be back this time next year? It depends. If the borders are closed, and it's difficult for internationals to come through and Kiwis to get out, then this may continue.  And hopefully, many Kiwis will get the outdoor bug from their experiences this year and come back for more."

Read edition 1005 of the Wānaka Sun here.