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In launching a new visitor behaviour campaign, New Zealand Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage,says the Department of Conservation (DOC) is well prepared for a busy summer with more resources to respond to growing domestic and international visitor numbers.

Minister Sage advised “the ‘Visit the Kiwi way- Look after our place’ campaign aims to help all visitors to understand the need to have as little impact as possible on our wild spaces and natural areas.

“The campaign encourages people to travel responsibly and do the right thing with practical advice on how to behave in nature in relation to safety, littering, toileting, wildlife interactions, and drone use.

“This aligns with Tiaki – Care for New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand’s Responsible Camping Campaign.”

About 3.9 million New Zealanders and 1.4 million overseas tourists visit conservation areas at least once a year.

In addition to enhanced and increased visitor information, DOC will be spending an extra $3.6 million this summer to maintain facilities on public conservation land. This includes cleaning toilets, dealing with toilet waste, track maintenance and compliance.

The funding will see additional rangers employed around the busiest spots, involved in visitor management while also sharing local heritage and nature-based stories and information with visitors.

In the past three financial years, DOC has invested more than $42.4 million in capital expenditure to improve visitor assets including roads, toilets, car parks, and campsites.

Minister Sage added “more people than ever before are enjoying the great outdoors and I’m pleased that government agencies are stepping up with better infrastructure and resources to maintain and enhance these stunning places."

Campaign messages - Visit the Kiwi way - Look after our place

• Give wildlife space: Keep 20 metres from all wildlife, a safe distance. Never feed our birds – even if they ask!
• Take your litter with you: Help us protect our land, water and wildlife by taking your litter or using a bin.
• Poo in a loo: Please use a toilet when you see one. If you really can’t wait, chose to poo away from people and waterways and cover it up when you’re finished!
• Always be prepared:
  1. Plan your trip well
  2. Pack the right gear, extra layers and plenty of food and water
  3. Check the weather in advance as conditions can change fast
  4. Know your limits—it’s never too late to turn back

The campaign on YouTube.

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5th June 2018 - Further track closures imminent in moves to prevent kauri dieback

5th December 2018 - New Zealand Government backs cycle tourism project in Northland

18th January 2018 - Most New Zealanders have a positive view of tourism

26th September 2016 - Tourism industry calls for debate on user charges to fund DOC

1st June 2018 - Tourism industry keen to discuss New Zealand’s planned visitor tax

2nd October 2017 - Skyline advances investigations into Franz Josef Gondola project

12th May 2017 - Department of Conservation to raise charges for overseas visitors walking New Zealand’s trails

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