It's about to become more expensive to complete the country's Great Walks. 

The Department of Conservation is increasing prices in July for the first time in four years. 

Hut and campsite prices will rise by 18% for all walks except Paparoa. 

Backpacker Youth Adventure Tourism Association chair Haydn Marriner told Mike Hosking that there's a two-year waiting period for businesses to change their costs. 

He says it will be built into the costs and while the increase is quite high, crews and businesses do a heap of work to maintain the walks. 

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