If you're planning on making multiple stays within a 12 month period, a Backcountry Hut Pass will save you money.
How to buy a Backcountry Hut Pass
Buy online
Go to our online booking system and log in or create an account. Select 'passes' from the menu at the top of the page. Choose your preferred pass and enter the date you first want to use the pass on. This is the start date for the pass.
Once payment is completed via the secured online payment portal, the pass will be linked to your DOC account. You will receive a booking confirmation email with a digital pass PDF document. Ensure you print or download it before your trip.
Passes can be bought up to one month before the first night of use. The start date cannot be modified. If you realise you have bought a pass with the incorrect date period, you can cancel it within 48 hours for a full refund.
Buy through a visitor centre
If you need assistance with purchasing your pass, call or email the:
They will enter your pass online for you. A service fee of $10 may apply.
Prices for a 12-month pass
- Adult (18+ years): $160
- Child (5 - 17 years): $80
- Infant (0 - 4 years): Free
Discounts
Members of selected organisations are entitled to a discount on the price of the Backcountry Hut Pass. To receive a discount, proof of membership of a relevant organisation will need to be added to your account on our online booking system.
Organisations entitled to discounts
Cancelling your pass
You can cancel your pass within 48 hours of purchase if you have not made a booking using the pass and if it is not past the first day of the nominated start date.
If you have made a booking, no refund will be issued. If it is past the first day of the start date, no refund will be issued.
To cancel a pass, log in to your account and click ‘Your Account’ at the top right of the home page. Select ‘Your Bookings’ to find the campsite pass you have just purchased and click cancel. A refund will be made to the credit card used for purchase.
After 48 hours of purchase, passes are non-refundable.
How to use a Backcountry Hut Pass
For bookable huts
Log in or create an account on our online booking system.
Select the hut you wish to stay at, enter the number of people who hold a Backcountry Hut Pass and the number of people who do not hold a pass.
The booking system will automatically calculate fees payable at the time of booking (if any) for non-pass holders or excluded times or sites. If all people booked are pass holders, and it is not an excluded site or date range, the price will be shown as zero.
Continue, accept the terms and conditions, and then reserve.
Review your selections, dates, and total costs before continuing to check out or continue shopping.
Email confirmation of your booking will be sent to your account email address. You can print or download this confirmation to a digital device before your trip as well as a copy of your Backcountry Hut Pass. Take these with you when you go to a hut as you may be asked to show these.
For non-bookable/self-registration huts
Non-bookable huts operate on a first-come first-served basis. The Backcountry Hut Pass does not give you preference to a bunk or space on sleeping platforms when staying at a non-bookable hut.
On arrival, pass users will need to register by entering their name and pass number into the hut book.
Proof of a Backcountry Hut Pass (print or digital download) and identification must be available on request.
Where you can't use the Backcountry Hut Pass
The Backcountry Hut Pass gives you access to most DOC backcountry huts throughout New Zealand.
However, there are some backcountry huts where you can't use the Backcountry Hut Pass.
Check the hut's webpage that you're wanting to go to – it will say if the pass is accepted or not. You can also check the list of huts and accommodation excluded from the Backcountry Hut Pass.