8th May 2026 DOC / Pioneer EnergyPioneer Energy has closed public access across its Wye Creek dam and South Branch pipeline near Queenstown while it assesses how the privately owned hydro structures could be made safer for growing visitor numbers.
5th May 2026 DOC / National ParksA key gateway to Tasman’s Kahurangi National Park is on track to reopen by spring, with repairs now underway on the storm-damaged Graham Valley Rd.
1st May 2026 DOC / Great WalksWaihohonu and Mangatepopo huts in Tongariro National Park can now be booked over winter, with each operating as a serviced hut until the next Great Walk season begins.
30th April 2026 DOCAdventure Horse Trekking NZ says it was “incredibly lucky” after one of its horses became trapped in a float during a remote incident in Ahuriri Conservation Park in the Mackenzie Basin.
23rd April 2026 DOC / National ParksThe Department of Conservation is piloting a satellite-enabled network of smart sensors across remote backcountry sites, in a move it says could cut costs, emissions and manual workloads.
22nd April 2026 DOC / RangitotoThe Department of Conservation has opened a tender for construction work on the Summit Track on Rangitoto Island.
20th April 2026 AIANZ / DOC / FuelBut DOC signals flexibility on fuel surcharges, allowing the option for helicopter operators.
17th April 2026 DOC / TracksAbseilers have carried out maintenance work on the remote Bridge to Nowhere near the Whanganui River.
16th April 2026 Conservation Week / DOCThe Department of Conservation wants New Zealanders to “get naturing” during Conservation Week/ Te Wiki o Te Taiao, which kicks off on 20 April.
14th April 2026 DOC / TongariroThe Department of Conservation says construction of a new suspension bridge across the Tongariro River will start on 20 April.
13th April 2026 Aoraki Mt Cook / DOCThe Department of Conservation is aiming for a winter opening of its new Aoraki Mount Cook swing bridge.
8th April 2026 DOCThe Department of Conservation has moved its visitor centre in Nelson.
