In recognition of NZMCA’s significant contribution to conservation and recreation across Aotearoa New Zealand, members can get the best available discounts on a range of Department of Conservation (DOC) accommodation options.
NZMCA members save 30% on annual DOC campsite and backcountry hut passes; and 25% on casual visits to most DOC campsites and backcountry huts, the Great Walks, and sole occupancy lodges, cabins and cottages that the whole family can enjoy.
You can’t beat the feeling of escaping it all and getting amongst our beautiful landscape. Discover over 167 motor caravan accessible DOC campsites – choose from forest settings, lakeshores and sandy beaches. Including some with powered sites ($3 surcharge applies when you use your annual pass). If you're travelling with your pet, with a little bit of research and preparation, you can still enjoy 61 dog-friendly campsites. You’ll find them listed in our NZMCA app and online Travel Directory. Or find out more about them on the DOC site.
How much will I save?
If you stay at DOC campsites or backcountry huts regularly, you’re better off buying an annual pass. NZMCA members save 30% on DOC annual passes. If you’re not a regular, you can still save 25% on the normal rates per adult per night.
All prices below include GST and are per adult per night. Prices subject to change.
Annual passes – save 30% - prices effective from 1 July 2022
- You can purchase a pass up to one month before you use it.
- The annual pass is valid for 12 months from the date you select when you buy it.
- Members using powered campsites will need to pay a $3 surcharge when using their pass.
| Conservation campsite pass |
Monthly |
Annual |
| Adult (18+) |
$95 |
NZMCA members: $136.50 (normally $195, save 30%) |
| Child (5-17) |
$47.50 |
$97.50 |
| Infant (0-4) |
FREE |
FREE |
If you're using your campsite pass at a bookable DOC site, it's important you book in advance and don't wing it. That will secure your spot especially at busy campsites like Tōtaranui. Plus avoid a fee if the campground staff have to do the booking or you. You can use the annual campsite pass for up to a maximum of seven consecutive days within a 30 day period at each campground.
| Backcountry hut pass |
6 months |
Annual |
| Adult (18+) |
$108 |
NZMCA members: $100.80 (normally $144, save 30%) |
| Youth (11-17) |
$54 |
$50.40 |
| Child (5-10) |
FREE |
FREE |
| Infant (0-4) |
FREE |
FREE |
Casual visits – save 25%
You’ll still save 25% per adult, per night if you stay at DOC campsites and huts occasionally but not enough to make it worth buying an annual pass. There's no limit on the number of nights you can book a DOC campsite or hut for using this 25% discount. However, if you want to stay for more than seven nights, you'll need to make more than one booking. E.g. if you want to stay for 14 nights, book for seven and then do another booking for the other seven nights. Sorry, it's a system glitch that we hope DOC will fix soon. Per-night prices of campsites vary and are dependent on the facilities, location, and the time of the year. Find out more.
DOC also provides private lodges, cabins and cottages in scenic settings throughout New Zealand. They're ideal for families and groups and accessible by vehicle, boat or short walk. And great value with your 25% per night member discount. At the more basic end, you can stay at one of over 950 DOC backcountry huts of all shapes and sizes. They provide unique places to stay, refuge from bad weather, or rest and recover when you're out exploring the outdoors. You can find the normal prices here.
Great Walks – save 25%
The Great Walks provide unparalleled access to some of the country’s most incredible natural landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage. There’s a Great Walk for everyone and NZMCA members save 25% on eight of the Great Walks. We recommend booking early on DOC’s website to secure popular dates.
See DOC's website for the full terms and conditions or check out this info sheet on discounts on DOC accommodation and passes for NZMCA members.
