Why we regulate activities on conservation land
Each year, we assess around 2000 applications from people, businesses and organisations for a diverse range of activities – from tourism, to development, and interacting with wildlife.
We permit activities that are consistent with conservation goals and legislation, and where we determine the impacts can be avoided, remedied or mitigated.
We monitor activities to ensure they’re carried out responsibly.
As a result, public conservation land and waters are not only habitats for rare species. They’re also home to sustainable businesses, vital infrastructure, and ground-breaking research.
Our regulatory work matters for nature, people, as well as for the economy. We’re improving our regulatory system and increasing the timeliness of decisions. Find out more on our improving our regulatory system page.
Our regulatory role
We ensure activity on conservation land and water:
- operates legally
- conserves nature
- is consistent with Treaty of Waitangi principles
- takes into account the views of local communities and iwi.
We’re empowered by law to regulate activity across the conservation estate, including historic sites and cultural landmarks, and interactions with wildlife across New Zealand.
Local councils also have power to authorise activity on conservation land they manage. We work alongside other agencies to support responsible land use and environmental planning.
We also work with other government agencies to regulate and monitor trade in endangered species.
Find out more about how we implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), including permit requirements: Implementing CITES in New Zealand
When you need permission from DOC
You don’t need a permit for everyday things like walking, swimming or taking photos for personal use.
However, you do need permission for:
- interacting with wildlife, either on land or in the water
- commercial activities, like guided tours or organised events
- activities that might affect the environment or other visitors.
To apply for permission to do something on conservation land or waters, visit our applications page.
Doing these activities without permission isn’t just risky – it’s against the law and could lead to fines or legal action.
Find out more about our compliance role.
Making thoughtful decisions
We manage conservation through:
- planning – working with iwi and communities to plan for the long-term care of our natural spaces and ecosystems
- decision-making – ensuring consistency with laws and policies, and assessing if the effects of proposed activities can be avoided or mitigated
- setting conditions – if we approve an activity, we may set conditions and clarify the permit-holder’s responsibilities for using nature responsibly
- compliance – helping people understand the law and their permits, monitoring activities, and taking action if someone breaks the rules
- collaboration – supporting conservation through other legal systems, such as the Resource Management Act.
We aim to work constructively with applicants to find ways to reduce potential harm to land, water, ecosystems, species and cultural heritage.
What’s a concession?
A concession allows you to:
- run a business (for example, kayak rentals or guided hikes)
- build structures (for example, huts or shelters)
- host events (for example, races or festivals).
Other types of permissions include:
- watching marine mammals
- accessing land for mining
- special wildlife or fishing activities.
Unsure whether you need a concession or a permission? Reach out – we’re happy to guide you through the process.
Fees
Fees are a vital source of revenue, contributing significantly to the funding of our core conservation activities.
DOC charges a processing fee to recover the costs associated with assessing applications.
If you are granted a permit or concession, you will be charged the following fees:
- Activity fees –collected on behalf of the Crown as a royalty for the use of public conservation land
- Management fees
- Monitoring fees
Laws and Acts
We work with laws that help to protect nature, support recreation, enable responsible economic activity, and honour partnerships with Māori. These laws and acts provide the framework for our regulatory activities and ensure that conservation efforts are consistent, effective and respectful of cultural values. Some of the key laws and acts we work with include:
- Conservation Act 1987
- National Parks Act 1980
- Reserves Act 1977
- Wildlife Act 1953
- Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978
- Marine Reserves Act 1971
- Wild Animal Control Act 1977
- Resource Management Act 1991
- Biosecurity Act 1993
- Treaty Settlement Acts
- Crown Minerals Act
- Hauraki Gulf/Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025
Our role in Fast-track applications
The Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 provides a process to speed up approvals for development and infrastructure projects that benefit New Zealand regionally or nationally.
You can apply via the Environmental Protection Authority's Fast-track website
Find out more about DOC’s role in the Fast-track process:
Fast-track and DOC: Permissions
Need help?
DOC offers up to one hour of pre-application advice at no cost to the applicant. We can help you:
- understand what permission is needed
- check if your activity fits conservation plans
- connect you with iwi for cultural consultation.