New Zealanders took to the outdoors in large numbers during peak summer 2021, according to new data released by the Department of Conservation (DOC).

DOC’s summer 2020/21 visitor insights report shows the impact of Covid-19 related border closures, with tens of thousands of Kiwis exploring the natural areas DOC manages in summer, but many world-renowned visitor sites and remote locations left unusually quiet, and destinations around Wanaka had mixed popularity.

Places near urban centres experienced visitor growth, particularly those near Auckland, Tauranga and Hamilton, but more remote destinations, generally, did not fare as well, although there were some anomalies.

“It’s been a summer like no other,” DOC strategy and insights manager Tim Bamford said. “Ongoing border closures and Covid-19 alert level changes continue to impact visitor patterns across Aotearoa.”

Wanaka’s DOC visitor centre saw visitor numbers drop by 67 per cent, however nearby walks, like the Milford and Routeburn tracks recorded double-digit increases.

Kidds Bush, on the shores of Lake Hāwea, was one of the busiest DOC campsites in the southern South Island over the summer.

DOC noted in its report that in the southern South Island there was a significant decrease in visitors, and previously popular walks like the recently upgraded Blue Pools trail, an hour’s drive from Wanaka, had 30 per cent fewer visitors than the previous summer.

However, popular nearby huts like Siberia and Brewster were busy and at full capacity most weekends.

Most DOC camping grounds in the southern South Island had low demand during the summer, with exceptions being Kidds Bush and Boundary Creek, at Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka respectively.

Overall, the decline in visitors has had a heavy impact on communities in remote areas, Tim said.

“DOC’s aim this summer was to support and encourage people to get out into the regions, and for people to really take advantage of the health and wellbeing benefits taking time out in nature can provide.”

And he encouraged Kiwis to get out and see the country during the autumn and winter too.

“With good preparation and through selecting appropriate activities, there are still plenty of opportunities to get into nature over the colder months,” he said.

PHOTOS: DOC