Survey: New Zealanders passionate about outdoors

Do New Zealanders care about access to the outdoors? Do we regularly get out and about for recreation? The answer to both is a resounding yes, according to the findings of the Walking Access Survey 2015.

The survey, conducted for the Commission by Colmar Brunton, asked 1,150 New Zealanders about their views on outdoor access topics, participation in outdoor activities and understanding of responsible behaviour in the outdoors.

It found that nearly all New Zealanders (95 per cent) believe free and easy access to the outdoors is important, 93 per cent had used the outdoors for recreation in the past year, and more than half (55 per cent) were aware of the Queen's Chain.

The survey also looked into understanding of responsible behaviours promoted by the New Zealand Outdoor Code. Nearly all respondents know they should always take litter home (96 per cent) and a closed gate should always be left closed (93 per cent), but fewer were aware that an open gate should always be left open (68 per cent).

Commission chief executive Mark Neeson said the findings showed the outdoors remained an important part of Kiwi life.

“As New Zealanders we talk a lot about our love of the outdoors and our free, rugged and independent spirit and this survey shows that the vast majority of us are getting out and walking the talk.

“We do a lot of work around New Zealand to raise awareness of the Kiwi way and the importance of respecting each other and land and it is heartening to see that our culture and heritage of access to the outdoors is strong.â€