Maps and data

Introduction

Explore our nature with interactive mapping tools and free downloadable data.

Highlights

Geospatial (location-aware) information is key to DOC as well as our many visitors! Explore our nature with web maps and free data, check out a selection of mobile and desktop apps, and learn more about DOC's geospatial information.

In this section

Web maps

We have two online maps that work on all devices:

  • Discover the outdoors showcases recreation opportunities.
  • DOC maps lets you explore key reserve, infrastructure, boundary and environmental data.

Screenshot of Discover the outdoors map.
Discover the outdoors

Discover the outdoors

Use Discover the outdoors to plan your next outdoor adventure!

Discover the outdoors showcases:

  • visitor centres
  • tracks
  • huts and campsites
  • places to go
  • open hunting permit areas
  • public conservation land and marine reserves and sanctuaries.

Screenshot of DOC maps.
DOC Maps

DOC Maps

Use DOC Maps to explore New Zealand:

  • recreation
  • DOC visitor centres, offices, regions
  • environment and marine
  • property parcels
  • open hunting permit areas
  • public conservation land, marine reserves and sanctuaries.

To learn more, see the DOC Maps user guide (PDF, 728K).

Data

DOCs spatial data is being made increasingly discoverable from data.govt.nz which in time will become our spatial data's home. While we're managing this transition, the two platforms (Geoportal and FTP) will remain functional but may have a reduced catalogue. 

Ensure you read the terms and conditions of use and any information about the data (description, metadata). All data is in New Zealand Transverse Mercator (NZTM) projection unless otherwise stated.

Outdoor enthusiasts should also be aware of safety in the outdoors and hunters must adhere to hunting and firearms safety.

Open Data

DOC's spatial data can be discovered through data.govt.nz and is hosted on the ESRI Open Data Platform. Data is available to download in various formats (shp, gdb, kml) and as reusable APIs (ESRI Rest and GeoJSON).

APIs for developers

DOC continues to make some spatial APIs available for application developers.

Find DOC APIs

Download our geospatial data

You can download our data from DOC geoportal or our FTP server.

DOC geoportal (being replaced)

Data includes:

  • DOC huts, campsites
  • deer and pest distribution (NZ)
  • pesticide summary operational areas
  • estuarine, freshwater and marine data.

Data can be searched, viewed, downloaded, and data description and metadata is provided.

To access, go to DOC geoportal and click search to see all data listings or to refine your search.

Learn more about using Geoportal, and view our tips for obtaining data (PDF, 178K).

FTP server

Data includes:

  • public conservation areas, marine reserves, marine mammal sanctuaries
  • DOC tracks, huts, campsites
  • freedom camping (prohibited and restricted areas)
  • recreational hunting permit areas
  • deer and pest distribution (NZ)
  • ecological districts and regions.

Zipped ESRI shapefiles can be downloaded.

To access, go to our FTP server.

Note: This opens an FTP folder. If asked, use public for both username and password. Get more FTP help.

Mobile and desktop apps

There are many options for exploring geospatial data. Here are a few free apps we know of:

  • QGIS – an open source geographic information system.
  • Explorer for ArcGIS and ArcGIS Explorer Desktop – a viewer and mapping programme with mobile and desktop versions.
  • ArcGIS Online – offers online mapping, supported with data from ESRI.
  • My Maps – Google online tool to create and share custom maps.
  • Google Earth Pro – view and use a variety of content, including map and terrain data and imagery.
  • ArcGIS Earth – explore any part of the world, accommodates 2D and 3D map data formats including KML.
  • DNR GPS – GPS download / upload software.

Also check out Google Play and iTunes stores.

Geospatial information in DOC

Geospatial information is vital to DOC, underpinning management decisions, science, policy, accounting and communications.

Our philosophy is to capture accurate data at source and gain maximum benefit from it. Staff across the Department capture, use and add and receive value from geospatial information.

DOC GIS staff.
DOC GIS working with CSI staff on tracking application of baits

DOC is supported by an award winning Geospatial Services Team. The team develops applications, provides training, support, advice and leadership, and offers a professional geospatial information service including field support, maps and analyses.

The team's work is highly varied, covering all activities of the Department. We have many relationships including with staff New Zealand wide, natural resource sector organisations, industry, education providers, community groups and iwi.

Contact us

Geospatial Services Team
Email: phiemstra@doc.govt.nz
Phone: +64 27 839 8134

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