Good progress is being made by our staff in assessing tracks and structures in Fiordland which were impacted in the recent floods. 

Read the latest updates on progress.

Image: DOC

Conservation enthusiast and DOC legend Herb talks to Nic Toki about his experience as a science communicator, navigating the bush before sat nav, being trolled by kea and species protection on offshore islands.

He also treats us to some of his famous bird calls. Listen to episode 7 of Sounds of Science podcast.

Image: DOC

Moerangi Hut – a hidden gem

Looking for a remote hut that doesn't take days to walk to?

Trainee Ranger Phillipa shares her experience tramping to one of her favourite huts in Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park on the East Coast.

Image: DOC

Poo in a loo and be prepared if there isn't one

"I went on a not-so-scenic walk with DOC to one of Abel Tasman's 'brown spots'.

"One thing I'd never considered - the weka actually peck at the poo and spread it further." Kaitlin Ruddock, TVNZ.

Video: TVNZ

What your apple core can do to our native birds

It’s just an apple core, right?

Many people are unaware of the harm organic waste can do to our wildlife when left out in nature.

An apple core can unnecessarily attract predators to areas where our most endangered native species live.

Image: Julia Wells | DOC

Project Moturoa – "the best thing I've ever done"

Project Moturoa is a 10 month course that delivers technical conservation skills but with a significant difference. Te Ao Māori is woven throughout with tikanga me ngā uara (protocol and principles) being fundamental to its delivery.

Find out more about the 2019 graduates' experience and the 2020 programme. 

Image: ©

World Wildlife Day competition

It's World Wildlife Day on 3 March, an international day of celebration to raise awareness for the world's wild animals and plants.

To celebrate we're giving away a CITES prize pack. The competition closes 24 February and is open to kids aged 5-12.

Image: DOC

Species spotlight: Mountain stone wētā

Habitat: Alpine zone in the South island’s central mountain ranges, exposed to high winds and low temperatures year round.

Superhero power: The ability to come back from the dead. This species can have up to 80% of its body frozen solid, and then thaw out and carry on with its day.

Read more about this wētā and other species spotlights.

Image: Rod Morris | ©

A guide to camp hosting in the Abel Tasman

On New Year’s Eve two community rangers were dropped off at Onetahuti Beach in Abel Tasman National Park to become first-time volunteer camp hosts.

Read about their seven days in paradise in their guide to camp hosting in the Abel Tasman.

Image: DOC

First northern royal albatross chick

The first northern royal albatross chick has hatched.

Here’s a quick peek of the new chick (it’s only a peek because mum was very protective!).

Video: DOC

World Wetlands Day: Restoring Lake Whangape

How do we turn more than 50 years of degradation around and restore a huge murky weed-infested lake to its glory days?

A good question to ponder on World Wetlands Day 2020.

Image: DOC

Shore plover/tūturuatu find new home

Recently, 18 critically threatened shore plover/tūturuatu were introduced to pest-free Mana Island to help secure the species’ survival.

With a population of just 250 individuals, this is a critical step for the species.

Image: Jess MacKenzie | DOC

Plastic bottle found in albatross

Our behaviours, especially around plastic usage, are negatively impacting some of our most precious taonga species.

A recent autopsy of a juvenile southern royal/toroa albatross found a flattened 500 ml plastic bottle and fragments of a balloon in its stomach. This suggests starvation was a likely cause of death.

Image: Wildbase | Creative Commons

Into the outdoors

How often do you look at the amazing variety of life below knee level?

Vanessa Mander, our North Canterbury Community Ranger, takes us on a walk to the recently renovated Balmoral Fire Lookout and discovers some unique and beautiful critters along the way.

Image: Lloyd Mander