New on the site

Remediated mine becomes new Reefton attraction

19 September

A new network of DOC tracks, showcasing recent mining heritage, will open on the West Coast tomorrow, in time for the school holidays.

Predator control planned to protect rare bats

17 September

A vulnerable population of nationally endangered bats will be given a lifeline by stopping a predicted plague of predators.

DOC ramps up pest control ahead of major mast

16 September

DOC plans to increase predator control in South Island beech forests as forecast mass seeding this summer puts vulnerable native wildlife at high risk from introduced predators.

Tahr sighting and control maps 2025/26

15 September

View maps of tahr sightings and control from DOC operations undertaken between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.

Fiesty Westland petrel defies the odds

15 September

Defying the odds in a country where 90 per cent of seabirds are threatened with extinction, the feisty Westland petrel is hanging on in its colony near Punakaiki on the South Island’s West Coast.

Understanding and mitigating seabird and turtle bycatch during the pelagic longline soak period

12 September

This is the final report for MIT2023-02 and MIT2024-02 Understanding and mitigating seabird and turtle bycatch during the pelagic longline soak period. Published September 2025.

Identification of marine mammals, turtles and protected fish captured in NZ fisheries 2023/24

12 September

This the final annual report for INT2023-04 Identification of marine mammals, turtles and protected fish captured in New Zealand fisheries between 1 July 2023 - 30 June 2024). Published September 2025.

Collection and curation of tissue samples from protected fishes and turtles

12 September

This is the final report for INT2024-07 Collection and curation of tissue samples from protected fishes and turtles for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025. Published September 2025.

Wellington’s Watts Peninsula reserve confirmed

11 September

A public reserve will finally be established on the iconic Miramar Peninsula – Te Motu Kairangi in Wellington, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka and Land Information Minister Chris Penk have announced.

Decapitated dolphin prompts call for information

11 September

A dolphin has been found decapitated on a beach north of Kaikōura, and DOC staff want to know what happened.

Expressions of interest to extend a holding lizards in captivity authorisation

10 September

DOC will soon invite holders of General Authorisations for lizards to apply to extend their permit to 31 October 2027.

Zekes Hut Track

09 September

An ideal day hike or easy overnight tramp to a newly replaced hut nestled within Hihitahi Forest Sanctuary north of Taihape.

Matuku Muster providing valuable insight

08 September

The annual Matuku Muster has returned for its second year.

New Zealand sea lion symposium to strengthen connections

05 September

An initiative to bring together sea lion enthusiasts and supporters from around New Zealand will be held Saturday 13 September 2025 at Tūhura Otago Museum.

Kayaking/packrafting in Fiordland

05 September

Find places to go kayaking and packrafting in Fiordland