Fair allocation process for commercial activities in Abel Tasman and Kaiteriteri
DOC has finalised the allocation process for new land and water-based concessions in Abel Tasman National Park, Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve and Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve. Applications are open and close at 5 pm, Friday 19 December 2025.

Background

All land and water-based commercial activity on public conservation land requires a concession issued by DOC. The management plans for the Abel Tasman National Park, Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve (gazetted as Abel Tasman Scenic Reserve) and Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve specify limits on the amount of commercial activity at each of these locations. Limiting concession activity aims to protect conservation values and recreation experiences.

Existing concessions for the following types of activity within the Abel Tasman National Park/Abel Tasman Scenic Reserve and Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve are due to expire on 30 April 2027:

  • Water-based activities including guided kayaking, guided waka trips, water taxi, charter boats, cruise ship activity and floating accommodation in the Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve/Abel Tasman Scenic Reserve.
  • Land-based guided walking on the Abel Tasman Coast Track and associated facility use in the Abel Tasman National Park.
  • Water-based activities including guided kayaking, water taxi, charter boats, SUP, and waka ama in the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve.

DOC wants to consider the future of these concession types within these places in a fair and consistent manner, by way of an allocation process.

Applications open for concessions in Abel Tasman and Kaiteriteri

DOC has finalised the allocation process for new land and water-based concessions in Abel Tasman National Park, Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve and Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve. Applications open on Monday 10 November 2025 and close at 5 pm, Friday 19 December 2025.

This process determines how limited opportunities for new concessions will be awarded. Once the allocation process concludes, successful applicants will proceed to the concession process, which authorises operation on public conservation land for a 10-year term, giving operators certainty to plan high-quality visitor experiences.

To avoid delays, applicants are encouraged to submit both the allocation and concession application forms at the same time.

Allocation process

Applications will be assessed by an independent assessment panel against published criteria:

  • operator experience
  • impacts on and benefits to conservation
  • recognising Treaty rights and interests
  • offerings to visitors
  • benefits to the local area.

Applicants will be required to meet a minimum score in order to receive an allocation. Each criteria will be ranked out of 10 with a possible maximum overall score of 50. For each criteria the applicant must score over five or more, equating to an overall minimum score of 25.

The panel provides recommendations to DOC, which makes the final allocation decisions.

Securing an allocation does not guarantee a concession – both are required to operate.

Flexible allocation pool

A flexible pool is still under consideration. Whether it will be used depends on the number of allocations awarded. A decision will be made in March 2026, once the allocation process is complete. 

Operators can transfer or trade allocations, but all changes must be reported to DOC so the system can be monitored effectively.

Key dates

  • 10 November 2025: Applications open
  • 19 November 2025: Questions submitted by applicants close
  • 26 November 2025: Answers provided by DOC
  • 5 pm 19 December 2025: Application period closes
  • February 2026: Panel assessment
  • Early March 2026: Decision made by DOC
  • End of March 2026: Operators notified of allocation outcome
  • April 2026: Concession process commences

How to apply

Applications close at 5 pm, Friday 19 December 2025.

All applications must be submitted to abeltasmanallocationprocess@doc.govt.nz.

Application process information sheet (PDF, 355K)

Forms to complete and submit

Applicants are encouraged to submit both the allocation and concession application forms at the same time. 

 

Application form (PDF, 306K) or Word (DOCX, 131K)

 

Complete the concession application forms relevant to your application:

 

Why DOC does this

DOC manages activity on public conservation land to ensure sustainable visitor experiences while protecting natural and cultural values. Allocating concessions in a fair and transparent way helps:

  • preserve the environment and biodiversity
  • uphold Treaty obligations with mana whenua
  • provide certainty and planning capacity for operators
  • ensure equitable access and sustainable visitor use.

Questions and answers on allocation process

View questions submitted by potential applicants and the corresponding responses from DOC. This has been compiled to support a clear understanding of the process.

Questions and answers - additional information for applicants (PDF, 154K)

1 December 2025: Questions and answers update (PDF, 86K)

Relevant legislation

DOC is required to consider concessions in accordance with legislation and relevant statutory documents. These include:

  • Section 4 of the Conservation Act, to give effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi
  • National Parks Act 1980
  • General Policy for National Parks 2005
  • Part 3B of the Conservation Act
  • Abel Tasman National Park Management Plan
  • Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve Management Plan
  • Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve and Kaka Point Historic Reserve Management Plan

Legal information

Official Information Act

The interested party acknowledges and accepts that the Minister and DOC may be required to release information submitted through the expression of interest process in accordance with the Official Information Act 1982.

No contract

This expression of interest and any submissions made do not constitute a contract with the Minister and does not give any rights or cause of action against the Minister.

No obligation

The Minister has no obligation whatsoever to compensate or indemnify any respondent for any expenses or loss that they may incur in the preparation of their expression of interest. There is no guarantee that the expression of interest will result in any subsequent process run, and/or any concession granted.

The Minister is not bound to complete the expression of interest.

Conservation Act 1987

Pursuant to s17R(2)(a) no new applications will be accepted for the activities described in the ‘background’ section while the s17ZG(2)(a) process that applies to these activities is taking place.