Asking nicely
Published Jun 21, 2018, 12:02 PM
Find out why you should always ask permission before wandering onto private land – and the right and wrong ways to go about it.
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.
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Being responsible with fire in the outdoors
Published Aug 17, 2018, 2:56 PM
Fires are easy to start, but hard and costly to put out. So it is critical that people take simple precautions to avoid endangering life and property.
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.
The Outdoor Access Code
Published Jul 10, 2018, 10:14 AM
The Outdoor Access Code is a Commission publication, which sets out the rights and responsibilities of recreational users and landholders.
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 is a marginal strip?
Published Jul 10, 2018, 12:02 PM
Marginal strips are strips of land adjoining the coast, lakes larger than eight hectares in area, and rivers greater than three metres in width.
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.