Access to Reserve Land
Reserves Act 1977
Under the Reserves Act 1977, and previous iterations, public access can be provided for. The Act generally ensures “as far as possible, the preservation of access for the public to and along the coast, its bays and inlets and offshore islands, lakeshores, and riverbanks”.
Not all reserves allow full public access. Some allow limited public access, and some do not allow public access.
Reserves are managed for the purpose they are created for. They can be managed by district or regional council, the Crown, or by a trust or board.
Some activities are restricted or prohibited to protect natural and historical resources and ensure safety. These restrictions are specified in section 94 of the Reserves Act and apply to all reserve types.
Regardless of the type of reserve and the access allowed, users should always follow any local signage, look for guidance on government or council websites, or check with managing agencies for specific access conditions.
Sometimes public access will be impractical, even if it exists legally.
Types of reserves
Recreation Reserves
The purpose of recreation reserves is to provide areas for recreation and sporting activities, and for the physical welfare and enjoyment of the public, and for the protection of the natural environment and beauty. The public has a right to access recreation reserves.
Historic Reserves
These reserves are established primarily to protect and preserve in perpetuity places, objects and natural features of historic, archaeological, cultural, educational and other special interest. Public access is available except for restrictions to protect the reserve’s general wellbeing.
Scenic Reserves
These reserves protect areas of scenic interest, beauty, natural features, or landscape. They allow public access except where restrictions are in place to protect the reserve’s wellbeing.
Nature Reserves
These reserves protect and preserve indigenous flora, fauna, or natural features of rarity, scientific interest, or importance so unique that their preservation is in the public interest. Entry is by permit only.
Scientific Reserves
These reserves protect and preserve areas for scientific study, research, education, and the country’s benefit. Entry to all or part of a reserve may be restricted to permit holders.
Government Purpose Reserves
These reserves are held for a specified government purpose. Public access is at the discretion of the managing authority.
Local Purpose Reserves (Section 23)
These are held for specified local purposes. Local authorities usually administer local purpose reserves. They may allow public access, but the local authority or the Minister can prohibit access to the whole or any part of the reserve.
Esplanade Reserves
A subcategory of Local Purpose Reserves is Esplanade Reserves. These are parcels of land, vested in the local territorial authority, alongside some sections of river, lake, and coastline. They are created under the Resource Management Act 1991 when land is subdivided. Public access is provided for but may be restricted.
Other/ Pre-1977 Reserves
There are a small number of reserves that may allow public access which do not fit into the above classifications. This is usually because they are reserves created by an act prior to 1977. In those rare cases, if you require further information, contact the managing authority or your local Herenga ā Nuku regional field advisor.