International visitors will pay roughly double for DOC huts and campsites on New Zealand's four most popular Great Walks as part of a trial starting in October.

The increased fee aims to help DOC maintain the tracks and control visitor numbers.

A price hike would affect tourists using the Milford, Kepler, Routeburn and Abel Tasman Coast tracks.

Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage said the nine Great Walks were premier tracks with spectacular scenery and were a "magnet for international visitors".

"The seven-month trial from October 2018 to April 2019 will provide information on the effectiveness of pricing as a tool to manage visitor pressure," Sage said.

"It is also part of setting and maintaining a fair pricing system for New Zealanders."

The Department of Conservation's (DOC) investment in maintaining nine Great Walks exceeds the revenue made from users' hut fees by up to $3.8 million each year.

"DOC expects to recover up to an additional $2.9 million during the trial period, without significantly reducing bookings and visitor demand," Sage said.

The increased accommodation fees might also encourage overseas visitors to use less visited Great Walks where prices remain the same, she said.

Prices for huts for international visitors, including children, on the Milford Track will be $140 per night, on the Kepler and Routeburn $130 per night and Abel Tasman Coastal Walk $75 per night.