Top tips for responsible recreation in New Zealand’s outdoors
New Zealand’s landscape provides a vast playground for the hillclimbers, cliff-jumpers, and outdoor-recreators among us — but requires our thought and care.
Aotearoa’s vistas are often described as “rugged” and “untouched”, but they’re quite the opposite when you’re up close and personal. While our relatively remote islands may seem hearty compared to the rest of the world’s degraded travel hotspots, New Zealand’s landscape is in fact fragile and delicate.
Why is responsible recreation important?
While all recreation alters landscapes, recreating mindfully in our outdoor spaces can preserve them for years to come, allowing generations more to enjoy Aotearoa’s beauty. With domestic travel increasing — DoC published a visitor insights report (visit bit.ly/3A1FS7q) citing that from Nov 2020-May 2021 78 per cent of New Zealanders visited one or more outdoor environments— it’s more important than ever to recreate responsibly.
Whether from lack of respect for the outdoors or not understanding how to recreate sustainably, there have been cases of negative impact on the New Zealand landscape for years. From the indefinite closing of Northland’s Mermaid Pools due to litter to ecological disasters intensified by human carelessness such as kauri dieback and track erosion, the effects of human carelessness can cause lasting impacts.
How to recreate responsibly
So what’s a New Zealander wanting to enjoy the outdoors to do? Planning ahead and understanding the significance of the space you’re in — historically, ecologically, and culturally — is a good first step. Lynnell Greer, DoC’s heritage and visitors director, says responsible recreation begins with the Tiaki Promise (tiakinewzealand.com). “DoC asks that everyone heading outdoors makes a commitment to Aotearoa by following the Tiaki Promise: protecting nature, being prepared, keeping New Zealand clean, and showing respect. Importantly, give wildlife plenty of space and never feed birds such as kea.”
Other care codes, such as the seven principles of Leave No Trace (lnt. org/why/7-principles) can be applied to help walkers and trampers respect the environment and those they share it with.
On the track
Greer’s biggest piece of advice to walkers is to check what’s permitted in the area you want to head to before beginning your adventure. Understanding where dogs are allowed or where drones are banned can help keep your impact minimal and your enjoyment high. On the track, make sure to pack out any trash, use loos when available (and know what to do when not), and respect any signposted rules.
It’s also crucial to consider the weather, both for your safety and the sustainability of the track. If your activity will degrade the natural environment more in adverse weather — for example, rock faces can be damaged by climbers ascending in the rain and trails can be degraded through heavy foot traffic — it’s best to save it for another day.