New on the site

Waimata Gemstone Bay track reinstatement commencing

05 December

Visitors will soon be able to enjoy a walk to one of Coromandel’s most picturesque beaches, with construction of the track to Waimata Gemstone Bay starting Monday 8 December.

Smuggler caught green-handed with rare native gecko

05 December

A South Korean citizen was sentenced today in the Manukau District Court for purchasing and intending to export jewelled geckos/moko kākāriki, a protected native species.

Sealy Tarns Track

05 December

Climb the 'stairway to heaven' to Sealy Tarns, and enjoy spectacular views and alpine flowers.

“Incredibly selfish”: brand new picnic table destroyed, stolen from DOC campground

05 December

The destruction and theft of a newly-installed picnic table at Bucks Road Campsite has shocked and disappointed the Wairarapa community.

Lone feral cat that destroyed tern colony caught

05 December

A year after a single feral cat destroyed a large black-fronted tern/tarapirohe colony on Canterbury’s Waiau Toa/Clarence River, it has finally been caught.

Trial will help hunters protect Pureora Forest

04 December

Hunters can help to protect Pureora Forest by participating in a new trial that improves access to remote areas and gathers data to guide deer management.

Identification of seabirds captured in New Zealand fisheries 1 July 2023 - 30 June 2024

04 December

This is the final annual report for INT2022-02: Identification of seabirds captured in New Zealand fisheries, 1 July 2023 - 30 June 2024. Published December 2025.

New campaign for pūteketeke/crested grebe

04 December

Campers and boaties around the popular Lake Benmore shoreline in Canterbury are being asked to look out for the ‘world famous’ pūteketeke/crested grebe this summer.

Start of car park fees at South Island DOC sites

03 December

DOC will begin charging for car parking at three South Island sites – Punakaiki, Franz Josef and Aoraki/Mount Cook – from 15 December onwards.

‘Stay on track’ at Aoraki/Mount Cook

03 December

As a busy summer season starts in many popular tourist spots around the country, DOC is urging visitors to ‘stay on track’ at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.

Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance Limited

03 December

Have your say on a marine mammal permit application by Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance Limited to commercially view marine mammals from land. Submissions close on 21, January 2026.

Application for a Marine Mammal Permit by Benjamin Work

03 December

Have your say on a marine mammal permit application by Benjamin Work to take, import and export marine mammal bone. Submissions close 1 January 2026.

Takahē nest success in Upper Whakatipu

02 December

The Upper Whakatipu gets another takahē tick of approval, with the nationally vulnerable birds nesting in both the Greenstone and Rees valleys.

Get naturing with Mahi Aroha

01 December

From art auction to overnight jetboat hikoi – a Central North Island summer programme will connect people to nature in January 2026.

Book Tongariro huts for summer fun

01 December

Overcrowding is a thing of the past now all Tongariro National Park huts are on the DOC booking system.

Marine reserve incidents prompt call for public information

01 December

DOC is calling for information from the public about two concerning incidents which have occurred in marine reserves in the Nelson-Tasman region.

Marine reserve rules reminder as summer heats up

01 December

New Zealanders naturing on or near the ocean are being reminded to follow marine reserve rules as we head into summer.

Procurement policy

28 November

This policy outlines the core principles and standards that guide responsible procurement within the Department of Conservation.

Eggs of interest in latest freshwater fish report

28 November

A new report on the conservation status of New Zealand’s freshwater fish is the most comprehensive yet, sharpening focus on the most crucial aspect of fish survival – spawning habitat.

Paid car parking

27 November

DOC is charging for car parking at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Franz Josef Glacier and White Horse Hill.