1st October 2026 Concessions / DOCTen operators are seeking five-year concessions to guide visitors over the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, with the Department of Conservation opening the applications for public submissions.
1st October 2026 DOCThe Department of Conservation is expanding online bookings to another 62 huts and campsites and moving Backcountry Hut Tickets online.
23rd September 2026 Air NZ / DOCAir New Zealand has ranked second in Randstad’s latest list of New Zealand’s most attractive employers, down from first last year.
23rd September 2026 Conservation / DOCA Mid Canterbury four-wheel drive club is helping repair off-track vehicle damage near Ōtūwharekai/Ashburton Lakes.
22nd September 2026 DOC / TracksSelf-closing gates and peak-time ranger monitoring will be introduced after more than 40 people were observed on a bridge limited to 20.
22nd September 2026 DOC / FerryThe Department of Conservation is seeking proposals to operate scheduled commercial ferry services to Tiritiri Matangi Island for five years from April 2027.
18th September 2026 DOC / TracksVisitors entering the closed Wairere Falls Track in Waikato are disrupting construction work and could delay its reopening.
16th September 2026 Conservation / DOCA direction to DOC to “enable development to the greatest extent practicable” on conservation land survives a redraft of the legislation.
14th September 2026 DOC / MarineThe Department of Conservation has imposed a new 10-year moratorium on marine mammal tourism permits around Banks Peninsula to protect Hector’s dolphins.
11th September 2026 Backcountry Trust / DOCThe Department of Conservation and Backcountry Trust will develop a national agreement covering work on New Zealand’s backcountry network, including long-term funding and visitor payment systems.
7th September 2026 DOC / Great WalksThe new Oturere Hut is under construction and will open on 18 December.
31st August 2026 DOC / Port to PortPort to Port Cruises and Wildlife Tours is seeking a 10-year renewal of its marine mammal viewing permit, with approval to add a second, larger motorised vessel to its Otago operation.
