Pigeon Island Best Family Memories

Regional field advisors

Contact an advisor to investigate or negotiate public outdoor access. 

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Being responsible

The Outdoor Access Code identifies eleven areas of responsibility and outlines actions for each one. It covers respecting other people’s interests and caring for the environment.

  1. Caring for the environment
  2. Staying safe
  3. Respecting farms
  4. Respecting forests
  5. Tikanga Māori and Māori relationships with land
  6. Fires
  7. Dogs
  8. Fishing and hunting
  9. Motor vehicles
  10. Mountain biking
  11. Horses

Most of the time, appropriate behaviour is common sense. This code provides information so that everyone can make informed decisions. This will help to avoid damage such as breaking a fence or disturbing stock, causing interference such as blocking a gate with a vehicle, or recklessly disturbing birds or other wildlife.

Being aware of other people and making room for them can help avoid conflicts between different outdoor pursuits, for example, walking, mountain biking and horse riding on the same track or fishing and boating in the same reach of a river.

Existing laws and by-laws cover many aspects of poor conduct, such as littering, vandalism and excessive noise. Landholders or access users who face serious or persistent anti-social behaviour should contact the Police or their local authority for advice.

Your obligations   

  • Take responsibility for your actions
  • Follow any reasonable advice offered
  • Consider and respect other people
  • Care for the environment
  • Seek permission for access to private or Māori land
  • Learn and respect tikanga Māori
  • Know how to plan a safe trip
  • Be aware of natural hazards and weather
  • Get permits for hunting and fishing
Anakiwa Mist

Caring for the environment

Public access to the outdoors connects us to te taiao, our unique natural world. NZ’s nature is precious, and many of our native species are endangered or at risk.

Roys Peak by Sander Leanarts

Staying safe

Exploring NZ’s outdoors can be an adventure, but there are risks that you might not experience in other places. Preparation can help you keep yourself safe.
sheeps 1761921 1920

Respecting farms

Farms are private land, and you need permission to access them. But many farmers are keen to showcase hospitality, openness and generosity.
Whakarewarewa Mountain Bike Forest

Respecting commercial forests

Commercial forests are working sites, and there are times such as when forest operations are taking
place or there are elevated fire danger levels, when access can create high risks for people.
Rahui Maori Pou Maitai Bay Karikari Peninsula

Tikanga Māori and Māori relationships with land

It is important to provide guidance on Māori cultural practices for access users, as access users may not be knowledgeable about tikanga Māori or Māori relationships with land and waterways.
beach campfire

Fires

Where fires are permitted and appropriate, their impact should be minimised – for example, by ensuring that any fires are fully extinguished before leaving.
dog walk on beach benjamin brunner

Dogs

The right to walk with a dog, including hunting dogs, depends on the existing rights that run with access.

hunters heading to St Winifreds stream 1920x495

Fishing and hunting

Fishing and hunting activities both require permits in addition to any permission required for walking access.
Lake Ferry 4WD

Motor vehicles

Generally, you cannot use motor vehicles on formed walking and biking tracks. Even where vehicle access is legally allowed, it is polite to inform the adjoining landholder.
Craters Bike Park Have You Ever Miles Holden Hero Banner

Mountain biking

In many cases, mountain bikers share space with horses, walkers, trampers and joggers. Riding safely and respecting others’ rights is important.
Horse ride at Te Kopahou

Horses

Responsible horse riders usually actively discourage their horses from browsing while being ridden and are cautious about letting them eat anything they do not recognise.