Date:  20 December 2017

“DOC welcomes increasing numbers of visitors seeking out experiences in nature and connecting with New Zealand’s great outdoors,” says Director for Tourism, Recreation and Heritage Gavin Walker.

“We are asking people to do their part by being tidy, respectful and well-prepared.”

In addition to investment in DOC facilities such as roads, toilets, car parks campsites and tracks, an extra $2m in operational spending has been approved to address prioritised pressure points across New Zealand for the summer season and into next year. 

“People can expect to see more rangers than ever out safe-guarding plants and wildlife, collecting fees, keeping the place tidy and advocating for the awesome nature people have come to visit. This includes car park enforcement and fire risk management. In the southern South Island alone DOC has budgeted for an extra 6000 hours of summer rangers’ time compared to the same period last year,” says Gavin Walker.

Very busy areas, including Tongariro National Park, Wanaka and the Milford Road, will have additional or upgraded toilet facilities, and contract workers operating to ensure tracks and land aren’t contaminated by human waste.

DOC is also employing wardens to monitor popular freedom camping sites to ensure people camp responsibly and are not damaging the environment.

“We want people to enjoy our great outdoors this summer -  but we also want people to take responsibility, alongside DOC and local communities, for leaving the place as they find it so future generations can enjoy the same benefits,” says Gavin Walker.

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