New on the site

Native mistletoe on the increase in time for Christmas

18 December

Recent analysis of long-term monitoring shows low possum numbers in a South Westland valley are leading to more native mistletoe.

Visitor trends highlight simple naturing as Kiwis’ top way to unwind

18 December

New Zealanders are gearing up for another summer of naturing, based on a newly released DOC report.

Rangitahi/Molesworth competitive process opens

18 December

Potential operators wanting to run a commercial farming operation for up to 30 years in the Molesworth Recreation Reserve are invited to submit a proposal.

Historic agreement for Top of South Island land

17 December

The ownership of approximately 7,583 acres (3,068 hectares) of Top of the South land will be restored to descendants of its original owners following a long-standing private litigation, Attorney General Judith Collins and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced today.

DOC investigates Oamaru orca incident

17 December

DOC staff have issued a plea to communities to leave wildlife alone after members of the public moved a dead orca found floating against Oamaru Harbour’s breakwater last Friday (12 December), ignoring advice they had received from rangers.

Historic agreement for Top of South Island land

17 December

Read about an agreement between DOC and Te Here-ā-Nuku Trust to settle ownership of land in the northern South Island.

Report shines light on ‘gentle giant’ manta ray

17 December

The gentle giant of the seas – te whai rahi the oceanic manta ray – has been assigned a threatened conservation status for the first time in New Zealand.

Multiple lease applications for the Ocean Beach Road Baches in the Wellington region

17 December

Have your say on multiple licence applications for the Ocean Beach Road baches. Submissions close 13 February 2026 at 5 pm.

Application to continue leasing and occupation by W R Trotter and A K O Henderson

17 December

Have your say on an application by W R Trotter and A K O Henderson to continue leasing in Queen Charlotte Sound Foreshore Reserve, for a period of 30 years. Submissions close 3 February 2026.

DOC reveals first pictures of massive new Aoraki/Mount Cook swing bridge

16 December

Touted as the longest in New Zealand, the new swing bridge being built in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park has been giving everyone a bit of a headache.

Study to reveal the secret lives of fur seals at sea

16 December

Researchers were in Kaikōura last week to learn more about the behaviour of kekeno/New Zealand fur seals at sea.

DOC welcomes resolution of judicial review of marine reserve decisions

15 December

DOC welcomes the resolution of the judicial review of decisions for six new marine reserves on the southeast South Island, confirmed by the High Court on Friday.

Pukatea/Whites Bay reopening for Christmas

15 December

The popular Pukatea/Whites Bay site will reopen to the public at midday on December 22 – just in time for Christmas – after extensive storm damage repairs.

Conservation status of chondrichthyans (chimaeras, sharks and rays) in Aotearoa New Zealand, 2024

15 December

This report presents the latest assessment of the extinction risk of native chimaeras, sharks and rays in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Hunters remove 30,000+ wild goats

13 December

Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager is celebrating results from this year's National Wild Goat Hunting Competition, which saw the removal of 10,349 wild goats from New Zealand's landscapes, for a total of 33,418 since the event’s inception.

Murray Hira Holdings Limited application to continue operating Rotorua Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park in Tikitapu Reserve

12 December

Have your say on an application by Murray Hira Holdings Limited to continue leasing at Tikitapu Recreation Reserve for a period of 30 years. Submissions close 1 February 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Quick-thinking community save stranded dolphin

11 December

A dolphin stranded at Blueskin Bay, near Dunedin, has been successfully refloated thanks to the quick-thinking community and is now swimming back at sea.

A treasure trove of storytelling – new Tohu Whenua site opens in Canterbury

11 December

Nestled in the Canterbury foothills is a very special site with a rich history – Ōtūwharekai Hakatere Heritage – now recognised as a new Tohu Whenua site.

Decisions on stewardship land delivered

11 December

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced decisions that will provide clarity for approximately 80 per cent of stewardship land assessed on the West Coast of the South Island.

Community helps restore land after Craigieburn fire

10 December

A year on from the devastating fire that swept through the Craigieburn area, a new community group is helping nature restore the land.