Source: Department of Conservation
Hiking, camping and hunting with your dog on conservation land.
If you’re planning on camping, tramping or hunting on conservation land with your best four-legged friend this summer, here’s a quick guide to what you need to know before you go.
PrepareProtectEnjoy!
Prepare
Heading to the hills with your hound can be so much fun, but a successful trip will need a bit of planning and preparation.
Firstly, different areas have different rules so make sure you’re all over them before you head out: Dogs on conservation land: Rules and regulations (doc.govt.nz)
Depending on what you’re up to or where you’re headed, your pup might need a permit to be there, or only allowed to be there on lead, or may not be allowed there at all*, so it’s vital you check before you head out: Where you can take your dog and access rules: Dog access (doc.govt.nz)
*You may be issued an infringement fine or prosecuted if you take your dogs into no access areas, controlled areas without a permit, or breach the conditions of your permit.
Visit the Department of Conservation website to find:
You can also search on the webpages for individual DOC walking tracks and campsites to see what the specific access rules are for the site. For example:
One thing to be aware of is that dogs are not allowed inside DOC huts, so if you’re out on an overnighter, make sure you have a plan to keep your furry friend comfortable, warm and secure from dusk to dawn.
Protect nature
Why is dog access controlled on conservation land?
The short answer is, to protect native wildlife and to protect your dog.
To protect our precious native species, DOC carries out predator control using traps and poisons, and both can harm a dog. Some poisons can be fatal to dogs, so always check for signage and website notifications, and keep your dog on lead to keep them safe in areas where traps or poison are being used.
Dogs have also been known to get themselves into situations with dangerous wildlife such as sea lions and come out worse off. Keeping your dog under control or on a lead can mean the difference between an upsetting day out versus an awesome one.
Consider what’s best for your dog to keep them safe in all scenarios. Accidents and incidents can happen when out and about exploring nature.
Becoming a wildlife-wise dog owner helps to keep our wildlife and your dog safe in nature.
Vulnerable native wildlife
Dog attacks can kill or injure species such as kiwi, penguins, and fur seals. For sensitive species like kiwi, even one death can have a devastating impact on their recovery. It is illegal for dogs to injure or kill native wildlife in New Zealand and there is risk of fines and prosecution for owners.
Non-fatal attacks can also have large impacts. Penguins and seabirds may be scared away from nests and abandon eggs or chicks.
Dogs (and other pets) aren’t allowed in some conservation areas, like National Parks, as the risk to native wildlife is too great. In other areas dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead. Visit the DOC website to find tracks and campsites where dogs are welcome.
Dogs on beaches
While your pooch might love a day at the beach, it’s important to remember that lots of native wildlife makes their home on the foreshore.
Here’s what you can do to help keep your dog and wildlife safe around beaches: Dogs on beaches (doc.govt.nz)
Each region’s beaches have different wildlife to look out for and keep safe while out with your dog. What to look out for with your dog (doc.govt.nz)
Hunting with dogs
If you’re hunting with dogs on public conservation land, there are some rules you need to follow. For example, your dog may need to have avian avoidance training and a permit before it can come with you to the hunting block. For more info: Hunting with dogs: Hunting (doc.govt.nz)
Enjoy!
Summer holidays are even better with your dog. They love nothing more than hanging out with you in nature and having an adventure. So – check off what you need to know to keep them safe and legal, make sure you’ve given some thought to how you can protect New Zealand’s native wildlife while you’re out an about, and you’re good to go!