The Country and Outdoor Recreation Calendar
Published Feb 20, 2018, 9:33 PM
A downloadable calendar showing common farming, fishing and hunting seasons. The calendar has been jointly created by the Commission, Fish & Game and Federated Farmers.
Knowledge Base
We have information about accessing the outdoors responsibly - including roads and walkways, rivers and lakes, and private land. We also have information on using our GIS maps, creating new access, private land and what to do when there is a dispute.
Use the tags below to narrow down what you're looking for. The Community filters refer to the type of user, and Tag filters to the topic being discussed.
Got a question not answered here? Please contact us via email or phone and we'll do our best to help.
Do I have the right to walk over private land to get to public land?
Published Jul 10, 2018, 11:00 AM
No. There is no general right of public access across private land. If there is any doubt about access and there are no signs indicating access, seek permission.
Can a landholder stop me using an unformed legal road?
Published Jul 10, 2018, 11:45 AM
No. Landholders do not have the right to refuse access over adjoining public land. This includes unformed legal roads.
What forms of legal access across private land are available?
Published Jul 10, 2018, 11:49 AM
There is no general right of public access across private land. Owners of private land have the right of exclusive occupation and enjoyment of that land.
What are esplanade reserves, esplanade strips and access strips?
Published Jul 10, 2018, 12:05 PM
These are different legal mechanisms involving access, but there may be restrictions on their use. Check with the relevant territorial authority.
Are river beds public land?
Published Jul 10, 2018, 12:17 PM
Riverbeds can be a useful form of access where water margin access is not available or not practicably usable.
Can I use a motor vehicle on walking tracks?
Published Jul 10, 2018, 1:30 PM
Generally not. Even where access with vehicles is legally allowed, such as on an unformed legal road, it is a courtesy to inform the landholder.
Signage Project
Published Sep 3, 2018, 10:09 AM
We are working with Federated Farmers and Rural Women NZ to provide signage for landholders to use to mark agreeable and voluntarily granted access routes.
Mycoplasma Bovis - information for people crossing farms
Published Oct 26, 2018, 8:19 AM
If you're crossing a farm you need to be aware of Mycoplasma Bovis. It does not pose any risk to you, but you can take some simple steps to stop it spreading.