All commercial activity on public conservation land requires a concession issued by DOC. The Fiordland National Park Management Plan limits the amount of commercial activity at particular locations.
Existing concessions for the following types of activity on the Milford Track, Fiordland National Park are due to expire on 30 June 2026:
- Guided day walking between Glade Wharf and Clinton Hut on the Milford Track
- Guided day walking between Sandfly Point and Giants Gate on the Milford Track
- Multi-day guiding on the entire Milford Track, from Glade Wharf to Sandfly Point, outside of the Great Walks season.
DOC will consider the future of these concessions in a fair and consistent manner and consistent with the Fiordland National Park Management Plan.
We are taking steps to "carry out other actions that may encourage specific applications" pursuant to 17ZG(2)(a) of the Conservation Act 1987. These actions will include working with iwi and Southland Conservation Board, and consulting with existing concessionaires and others to inform an allocation process.
Temporary restrictions on new applications for these activities
The process under section 17ZG(2)(a) means that, as of 14 December 2025, no new applications for the activities at the above locations can be considered, unless the application is consistent with the allocation process.
Existing concessions continue according to their current terms and conditions.
What happens next
DOC will likely seek expressions of interest from parties interested in holding new concessions for guided walking at these locations. More information relating to the EOI will follow.
DOC will use the results of the EOI, along with consultation with iwi, Southland Conservation Board, existing operators and other interested parties to determine the precise form of any allocation process.
Contact
If you have a question regarding this process, email Olivia Graham, Senior Permissions Advisor at olgraham@doc.govt.nz.