All commercial activity on public conservation land requires a concession issued by DOC. The Kahurangi National Park Management Plan limits the amount of commercial activity at particular locations.

Existing long-term concessions for aircraft landings within the Kahurangi National Park are due to expire on 30 April 2027.

DOC will consider the future of these concessions in a fair and transparent manner and consistent with the Kahurangi 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 engaging with Iwi and with existing concessionaires and others to inform an allocation process.

Temporary restriction on new applications for this activity

The process under section 17ZG(2)(a) means that, as of 5 June 2026, no new long-term applications for aircraft landings for visitor positioning at this location can be considered, unless any such application is consistent with the allocation process.

Existing long-term concessions for aircraft landings expiring on 30 April 2027 continue according to their current terms and conditions until expiry.

This restriction on new applications does not apply to short-term aircraft landing permits with different expiry dates.

What happens next

DOC will likely seek expressions of interest (EOI) from parties interested in holding new concessions for landing at these locations. More information relating to the EOI will follow.

DOC will use the results of the EOI, along with consultation with Iwi, existing operators and other interested parties to determine the precise form of any allocation process.

Contact

If you have a question regarding this process, please email NSIstatutoryteam@doc.govt.nz.