Booking frustrations

Trampers around New Zealand are left feeling disappointed and disgruntled by the Department of Conservation’s online ticket purchasing process, as DOC struggles to cater to unprecedented demand. Slots for various DOC huts and campsites around the country have been selling out in minutes and sites have crashed under the demand. Bruce Davey of Christchurch, who eventually made a reservation after days of frustration, said it appeared DOC had not planned for its server to be sufficiently robust for the peak demand. DOC heritage and visitors director Steve Taylor said bunk spaces on the Great Walks tended to sell quickly when bookings opened, and there had been a particularly large surge in demand for the Milford, Heaphy and Rakiura tracks this year. However, there were 10 Great Walks, all offering stunning nature and landscapes.