Hi,

for those of you keen on heading to the top of the South Island in the next few weeks, may want to read this media release that came across my desk this morning…

“24 November 2008

Get in quick to book to stay on Abel Tasman and Heaphy tracks this summer

The Department of Conservation says people wanting to stay in Abel Tasman Coast Track and Heaphy Track huts and campsites over the busy summer holiday period need to get in quick to book spaces as they are filling up fast.

DOC?s Motueka Area Manager Martin Rodd said bookings are required for all people wanting to stay at huts and campsites on these Great Walks, including young people under 18 who can stay for free.

?Demand is high for spaces in Abel Tasman Coast Track and Heaphy Track huts and campsites over summer, particularly the peak Christmas-New Year period. Some Abel Tasman huts and campsites are already fully booked on some days.

?It has been free for youth under 18 to stay in Great Walk huts and campsites since July but bookings must be made for spaces for them and all other people wanting to stay overnight on these tracks.?

People can make Great Walk bookings and get information to help them plan their trips on the DOC website http://www.doc.govt.nz . Bookings can be made in person at certain DOC visitor centres and offices and some i-SITEs.

Mr Rodd said the numbers of children and young people staying in Abel Tasman and Heaphy Track huts and campsites had gone up since it became free for under-18-year-olds in July.

?From the beginning of July through to mid-October, there were in total 1029 overnight stays by young people in Abel Tasman huts and campsites, compared to 825 in the same period last year. On the Heaphy Track, youth occupancy of huts and campsites for the same period has gone up to 383 overnight stays this year from 153 last year. Adult overnight stays for that period have remained relatively constant.

?It?s great to see more young people walking these tracks and enjoying time in the outdoors now that it is free for them to stay on the Great Walks.?

The Abel Tasman Coast Track and Heaphy Track are two of New Zealand?s nine Great Walks managed by the Department of Conservation.

Trish Grant
Community Relations Officer- Communications Adviser
Nelson/Marlborough Conservancy, Department of Conservation
Private Bag 5, Nelson 7042, 186 Bridge St, Nelson 7010
Ph: 03 546 3146 Office: 03 546 9335 Fax: 03 548 2805 “

Cheers

Pete