Know before you go

Introduction

Always explore prepared – and remember, it’s never too late to turn back.
    Lighting fires on public conservation land

    Lighting fires on public conservation land

    Find out when and where you can light fires at huts, campsites and in the backcountry on public conservation land.
    Dog access on conservation land

    Dog access on conservation land

    Where you can take your dog on public conservation land, disability assist dogs, avian awareness training and why dog access is controlled.
    Poo in a loo – and be prepared for when there isn’t one

    Poo in a loo – and be prepared for when there isn’t one

    There aren't many toilets in our wild places. Always go before you start your trip and use a loo when you can.
    Land Safety Code

    Land Safety Code

    Five essential steps for staying safe in the outdoors so you can have a great trip.
    Weather

    Weather

    Get MetService weather forecasts for national parks and other conservation areas, as well as severe weather warnings, the brief mountain forecast and other weather bulletins.
    Alerts

    Alerts

    Find out about changes in conservation areas that might affect the safety or enjoyment of your trip.
    Take your litter with you

    Take your litter with you

    We all need to do our bit to keep New Zealand's natural environment free of litter. Litter harms our environment, our soil, our waterways and wildlife.
    Care codes

    Care codes

    Find out how to minimise the impact you have on the environment when enjoying the outdoors.
    Maps

    Maps

    Get the right map for your trip. Find out what maps are available and where to buy them so you can adequately plan for your trip.
    Visiting pest free islands

    Visiting pest free islands

    When visiting pest free islands, or islands that are becoming pest-free, make sure you check your gear before you leave the mainland.
    Be avalanche alert

    Be avalanche alert

    Avalanches can occur in any season. Anytime that snow and steep slopes are combined there is potential for an avalanche. You need to understand the risks before you visit avalanche-prone country.
    Give wildlife space

    Give wildlife space

    Love this place and the animals that we share it with. Give wildlife their space and don't feed them to help protect New Zealand's precious native species.
    Gold fossicking

    Gold fossicking

    Find about about recreational gold fossicking (including gold panning) in New Zealand.
    Drone use on conservation land

    Drone use on conservation land

    Arrange a permit to fly a drone over conservation land or near marine mammals.
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