New Zealand is moving to a new COVID-19 Protection Framework or traffic light system which is replacing the previous system of Alert Levels 1-4.

As part of this, DOC has decided that from 15 December 2021, eligible people, aged over 12 years and 3 months must be fully vaccinated to stay in DOC accommodation – this includes:

• Huts,
• Campsites,
• Lodges and other sole occupancy facilities,
• Great Walk huts and campsites
• Camping by huts (where not a designated campsite)
• Use of DOC huts or campsite facilities by day visitors (except for toilets).

All DOC campgrounds and huts will only be open to those who are fully vaccinated. Hut wardens and camp hosts on site and will be checking for vaccination status. When requested you, and eligible members in your party, must show your COVID-19 vaccine verification.

This measure has been put in place after assessing the risk of infection from COVID-19 to visitors, staff, volunteers and contractors and at DOC’s visitor facilities.

All customers, including all members of the group aged over 12 years and 3 months, must be fully vaccinated prior to using DOC accommodation or the booking will need to be modified to a time when they are fully vaccinated, or the booking will need to be cancelled.  This will apply to bookings from 15 December 2021.

DOC will provide a full refund for COVID-19-related cancellations including if people are unwell, subject to travel restrictions, concerned about COVID risks or are not vaccinated.

To find out more about DOC’s COVID response and policy click here.

www.doc.govt.nz