Working with DOC
Many trail groups work closely with the Department of Conservation (DOC). DOC can provide help and advice on developing your trail in ways that support our environment and protect nature. This page contains a list of resources that DOC provides, which will help groups as you build, maintain and enhance your trail.
Many DOC offices do not have open public access for security reasons or manage a phone reception 8 hours a day. You can contact enquiries@doc.govt.nz, providing a brief explanation about which office you want to contact and why, and this information will be passed on.
The Conservation Act 1987
This legislation establishes the Department of Conservation to manage all conservation land and other natural and historic resources. DOC’s role is to:
- conserve our natural and historic resources
- advocate for the conservation of those resources
- educate and promote material relating to conservation
- and, to the extent that it is not inconsistent with conservation, to foster the use of natural and historic resources for recreation and to allow their use for tourism.
At the time of writing, the Conservation Amendment Bill 2026 is working through Parliament, and DOC is creating its National Conservation Policy Statement. Both of these could change the requirements for volunteer groups who want to do work on public conservation land.
Volunteer-led access on DOC land: community agreements and concessions
All track work and other activities carried out by community groups on public conservation land require authorisation from DOC. This is because DOC manages this land on behalf of the public and carries legal, safety and accountability responsibilities for it — authorisation is required, no matter how small or well-intentioned the project.
There are two main pathways to authorisation – community agreements and concessions — and which one applies depends on what your group wants to do.
Community agreements
Community agreements are generally used when DOC retains ownership of the asset — for example, an existing track or hut — and a group helps maintain it. They typically:
- involve no fees
- run for terms of up to 5 years
- suit lower-risk, maintenance-focused work.
Concessions
Concessions are generally required when a community group wants to own or build a significant asset — such as a new bridge, hut, or other structure — or to otherwise use public conservation land for an activity beyond routine maintenance. Concessions:
- involve a more formal application process
- may attract fees
- can run for longer terms, up to 30 years.
DOC's permits and concessions guidance sets out the different concession types, including structures and facilities on public conservation land, and how to apply.
Which pathway applies?
The type of approval a group needs depends on:
- the level of risk
- the complexity of the work
- who will own the finished asset
- environmental and cultural impacts
- health and safety considerations.
Because significant new structures carry more risk and longer-term obligations than maintaining an existing asset, DOC’s guidance and standard practice is to consider maintaining what already exists before proposing to build something new.
Key takeaways for trail groups
- Always obtain written authorisation from DOC before starting any work on public conservation land.
- Tailor your proposal to the level of risk involved — simple maintenance needs a simpler process than building new structures.
- Consider maintaining existing assets before building new ones.
- Engage early with your local DOC office — early conversations help identify the right pathway and any environmental, cultural or safety assessments needed.
DOC encourages collaboration between communities and DOC to safely and sustainably support public access to conservation land.
If you’re planning a project, talk with your Regional Field Advisor as well as your local DOC office, so you get up-to-date advice tailored to your project.
You may be asked to do an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or an Assessment of Environmental Effects — which is the same thing but different format. This is to make sure possible impacts on threatened species or rare ecosystems, heritage sites, culturally important sites or other users are considered and minimised. DOC will guide you on what you need to do.
Conservation Management Strategies
Conservation Management Strategies, Conservation Management Plans and National Park Management Plans are 10-year statutory plans. They provide management direction for specific areas of public conservation lands and waters. Trail-building groups need your trail to conform with the requirements of your local conservation management strategy. This will change when the Conservation Amendment Bill is enacted.
DOC statutory planning documents
Track construction and maintenance
Here are resources DOC uses for track construction and maintenance.
The Tracks and Outdoor Visitor Structures — NZ Handbook SNZ HB 8630:2004
This is what DOC uses as the standards for tracks and basic structures on tracks and encourages others to use these standards.
The DOC Track construction and maintenance guidelines
Guidelines cover constructing and maintaining tracks for walkers and mountain bikers in New Zealand. They include a guide for those in the field on how to build and maintain tracks. There is a shorter field guide version as well as the full manual.
Track Standards SNZ HB 8630:2004 — Standards New Zealand
These provide specifications for those responsible for designing, constructing, maintaining, or managing tracks and outdoor visitor structures. Using these specifications ensures that tracks and outdoor visitor structures provide the right level of service to meet visitor recreation and safety needs and will help protect the facilities and the environment from damage.
Standards for new and existing off-road cycle tracks on land managed by the Department of Conservation. Includes dual-use pedestrian and cycle tracks.
Each track-building group is different — you may wish to talk with your Regional Field Advisor, so you get up-to-date advice and knowledge.