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Rare dolphin spotted in Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour

11 December

A rare dolphin has been spotted today by a rowing team in Auckland’s inner Waitematā Harbour.

Tara iti breeding season begins

11 December

DOC is excited to announce the start of the 2024/2025 breeding season for the critically endangered tara iti (New Zealand fairy tern).

DOC reports 1.25 million annual bednight bookings

11 December

Visitor demand is growing and New Zealanders continue to value getting out in nature, according to DOC’s latest annual visitor insights report released today.

Last chance for West Coast Conservation Management Strategy (CMS) survey

10 December

West Coasters are being urged to share their views on the future of conservation in the region, with a public survey closing on Monday, 16 December.

Work to renew Pouākai Hut underway, re-route in place

10 December

After more than 40 years weathering storms, snow, sun, and gale-force winds, it’s time to renew much-loved Pouākai Hut.

Outstanding legacy for people and the environment at Waikanae

10 December

A 12 December gathering at Otaraua Park on the Kāpiti Coast marks the transition of the Waikanae Jobs for Nature project into an ongoing, iwi-run business and legacy supporting nature in the Waikanae River catchment.

Assessing the value of public conservation land

09 December

We commissioned two pieces of work to understand the value New Zealand gets from public conservation land and waters. This includes tourism.

DOC’s focus - Annual Review 2023-24

09 December

Opening statement by DOC Director-General Penny Nelson at Environment Select Committee on Tuesday 3 December 2024.

Application for a Marine Mammal Permit by Real Journeys Limited

09 December

Have your say on a marine mammal permit application by Real Journeys Limited for land-based viewing of marine mammals. Submissions close 30 January 2025.

Paparoa Great Walk partially closed for next two weeks due to slip

06 December

A section of the Paparoa Great Walk is closed until Saturday 21 December 2024 because of a slip.

Te Angiangi Marine Reserve review highlights opportunities

06 December

DOC and Ngāti Kere have completed a review of Te Angiangi Marine Reserve in Hawke’s Bay.

Government to partner with private sector to plant trees on low value Crown land

06 December

Cabinet has agreed to explore public-private partnerships to plant trees on Crown land, supporting New Zealand’s climate change targets and creating more jobs.

Give nesting river birds space this summer

06 December

People out enjoying the South Island’s iconic braided rivers are urged to respect vulnerable native nesting birds.

Lone feral cat destroys large tern colony on Waiau Toa/Clarence River

06 December

A feral cat has single-handedly destroyed the largest black-fronted tern/tarapirohe colony on Canterbury’s Waiau Toa/Clarence River in one weekend.

Tāne Mahuta reopening on 21 December 2024

05 December

The reopening of Tāne Mahuta in Northland has been rescheduled to 21 December 2024, following a blessing that morning.

Raise leg-hold traps to protect Coromandel kiwi

05 December

Backyard trappers are being reminded to keep leg-hold traps off the ground to protect Coromandel kiwi from injury or death.

Mōrere Hot Springs re-awakened - Nga Hua o Mōrere reopening in December

03 December

Nga Hua o Mōrere Steering Roopu are pleased to announce the much-anticipated reopening of the Mōrere Hot Springs.

Pilot whale stranding at Farewell Spit

03 December

DOC was alerted to a whale stranding at Farewell Spit, Golden Bay at about 1 pm today.

Rarest whale in the world to undergo dissection

02 December

Mana whenua and scientists will examine the rarest whale in the world for the first time ever.

Beaked whales

02 December

Beaked whales are a little-known group of whales named for their dolphin-like beak. New Zealand is a hotspot with 13 of the 24 known species being found here.