New on the site

Paparoa Track reopens ahead of schedule

13 December

A concentrated effort during a favourable weather window has meant DOC is able to reopen a closed section of the Paparoa Track, ahead of schedule.

Spade-toothed whale reveals new discoveries

13 December

Vestigial teeth were just one of many new discoveries made by scientists during the dissection of the rarest whale in the world, Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou says.

Application for a concession by Marlborough Sounds Investments Limited

13 December

Have your say on a concession application by Marlborough Sounds Investments Limited for a 30-year term concession in Marlborough Sound. Submissions close 4 February 2025.

‘Legendary’ conservationist wins award for decades of work protecting plants

12 December

The Loder Cup for excellence in advocating for New Zealand’s indigenous flora was awarded to John Barkla today in Dunedin.

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.