Dunedin North Intermediate School (DNI) was unable to secure hut passes for the Routeburn Track in the first-in, first-served system for Great Walk bookings.
Principal Heidi Hayward said it had become increasingly harder to get young people into the outdoors, since 2018, because it was not a priority in New Zealand.
"The booking system is really difficult to manage if you are trying to book a group of 30.
"It involves two of us being ready to go on two computers and trying to slam in names as fast as we can.
"I understand the booking process, but I suppose it’s just a shame Kiwi kids are missing out on the opportunity to do these tramps."
The school-organised tramps were like a "gateway drug" to getting children hooked on the outdoors, she said.
She had attempted to call the Department of Conservation (Doc) a number of times to ask if there was a possibility for a facility for schools to make bookings in a different way but had been unsuccessful, Ms Hayward said.
"Doc doesn’t see any value in having schools have a facility to make sure they can get kids’ groups going.
"To me that is exactly what we want to see in a country like New Zealand, so we have the next generation of trampers."
Doc’s recently introduced $40 charge for hut bookings for children aged 5 to 17 made it harder for young people to access the outdoors, she said.
"Having to cancel this year’s trip was a big loss.
"In the nine years I’ve been here, we’ve taken 40 kids on a Great Walk each year.
"I think it’s really important as a Kiwi who lives in the South Island to have access to our own back door."
DNI pupil Arlo Abbott said he was disappointed he could not go on the Routeburn tramp this year after enjoying hiking the Kepler Track last year.
He enjoyed being outdoors with friends, cooking his own food, the views, seeing the wildlife and even walking the long distances, he said.
Pupil Genjin Gurung said the Kepler was his first overnight hike and he would have never done it if it was not organised by the school.
Doc director of heritage and visitors Cat Wilson said Doc had not considered prioritising Great Walk hut beds for schools.
"The Great Walks booking system offers the same opportunity to everyone to book a Great Walk — whether it’s an individual, guiding company or school.
She recommended schools sought out less popular Great Walks such as the Rakiura, Abel Tasman Coast and Heaphy Tracks, which had more capacity.
