A walker striding along the ridge of hilly, misty farmland in Marlborough

Explore with our maps

Connecting people, connecting places

The Outdoor Access Commission is the Crown agent responsible for providing leadership on outdoor access issues. Our role is to advise on and advocate for free, certain, enduring, and practical access to the outdoors.

We work with communities to develop a comprehensive and safe network of tracks, trails and public access across New Zealand.

We have information and advice on the types of access you might find on private and public land, rivers, lakes, walkways, unformed legal roads, easements and Māori land. 

Learn more about us

Arriving at the Mussel Inn for refreshment

How a $10,000 grant helped unlock $345,000 for a Golden Bay trail

A modest early grant helped the Golden Bay Cycle and Walkways Society tell its story professionally and attract much larger backing for its new community trail.
Amie Pont

Information about public access

Guidance about accessing the outdoors responsibly — including roads and walkways, rivers and lakes, and private land.
Danica using Pocket Maps

Use a map to find legal public access across New Zealand

Our maps will help you find legal public access, hunting and fishing spots, tracks, trails, and property information.
Kai Iwi Lakes to Ripiro Beach Track

News from the field

The latest media releases, articles, news and views from Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa.