Advice
Documents we publish to help stakeholders and the public with outdoor access issues.
Controlling authorities
Published May 2026
Public bodies may become controlling authorities to share local places, boost tourism and jobs, support communities, protect the environment, and promote wellbeing.
Securing legal public access for trails
Published May 2026
A factsheet that outlines a variety of legal options for groups wanting to create public access over land
Sharing paths, tracks and trails
Published February 2026
Multi-use paths connect communities and give everyone access to the outdoors. With some consideration and common sense, we can all enjoy the trails together.
Field Guide to making your storytelling panel project happen
Published February 2025
This field guide helps trail groups and trusts share stories along their local trails. It focuses on managing the project to get outcomes you can be proud of.
Adding a public access easement on your land - brochure
Published May 2023
Allowing a legal walkway on your land can be straightforward. It lets people walk or ride safely across your farm, forest or land under conditions you choose.
Guidelines for the Management of Unformed Legal Roads
Published September 2022
Best practice guidelines document for local authorities and interested parties on the administration of unformed legal roads.
Summary of Strategic Regional Projects
Published March 2022
We work closely with local government, iwi partners, central government agencies and community stakeholders to develop long-term regional tracks and trails strategies.
Health and safety responsibilities of landowners to recreational visitors
Published October 2019
Landowners are not liable for the health and safety of recreationists who use their land, so long as they warn visitors of workplace risks that they wouldn’t normally expect to encounter.
Outdoor access rights and responsibilities
Published September 2019
Know your access rights and responsibilities: get permission, be responsible for your safety, take care of the environment, and consider others
Walkway Easement Instrument
Published January 2019
Our standard easement form meets our requirements for walkway easements. The form is designed to be consistent with the statutory conditions that apply to easements. (January 2019)