The 2025/26 summer visitor season has wrapped up, with more New Zealanders exploring a wider range of conservation areas despite storm disruptions.
The Department of Conservation booking data from 1 October to late January shows visitors spent more than 323,000 nights in huts and campsites over the peak season, broadly in line with last summer. While severe weather and temporary closures affected some traditionally busy locations, many regions experienced strong growth as people adapted their plans, explored different places and made the most of new and upgraded facilities.
Several regions recorded notable increases, including Otago (+30 per cent), Wellington/Kāpiti (+35 per cent), Wairarapa (+71 per cent), and Taranaki (+96 per cent) following the reopening of Pouākai Hut. The central North Island and Marlborough also saw steady growth, supported by new bookable huts and campsites.
However, January storms, followed by further severe weather in February, caused widespread damage across DOC-managed sites.
Storm damage has been recorded across conservation sites around the country, with early estimates for repairs and recovery currently between $2.25 million and $3.2 million. Assessments are continuing following the latest February weather event, and costs are expected to increase.
"We've seen strong demand right through summer, even with the disruption storms have caused in some regions," says Cat Wilson, Director Heritage and Visitor.
"Our teams have worked incredibly hard to assess damage quickly and prioritise the most important repairs, so we can safely restore access for visitors and support local communities."
Over the coming weeks, DOC will continue assessing the full extent of storm damage, prioritising recovery efforts and refining cost estimates. Progress in some areas depends on council roads reopening to allow access for repair crews and equipment. DOC will also consider how to meet recovery cost requirements within existing funding.
"Even though summer is over, we know people enjoy naturing year-round," says Cat Wilson. "By being flexible about where and when we visit, especially while some places recover, we can keep enjoying the outdoors while protecting it for the future."
In the four areas where a state of emergency was declared in January, inspections are nearing completion. Of 47 known affected sites in these areas, 40 have now been assessed, with damage estimated at $1.7 million to $2.6 million.
Immediate recovery priorities focused on:
- Reopening accommodation for visitors (six campgrounds and three huts) – $227,000
- Restoring access to camps and tracks (12 roads) – $416,000
- Reopening more than 26 tracks – estimated $1.1 million to $2 million
Three campgrounds – Port Jackson and Fletcher Bay in Coromandel, and Dickeys Flat in the Bay of Plenty – have already reopened following repairs.
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