No images? Click here Conservation countdown — our top stories of 2019We take a look back and count down some of the biggest stories we’ve covered throughout 2019 – from takahē, rowi kiwi and a new Great Walk announcement to Flint's adventure. It's been another big year for our native wildlife, our special places and the work we do. Help protect Tāne Mahuta and our great kauri this summerThe summer months are the busiest time of year for visitors to kauri forests. We're expecting more than 10,000 people to visit Waipoua Forest, home of Tāne Mahuta, during the first two weeks of January. Watch our new animation video about kauri dieback and what you can do to help. Video: DOC Fishers – dispose of rubbish responsiblyBoaties are being urged to bring in broken lines and rubbish from their fishing trips after a dead baby dolphin was recovered from Tāwharanui beach in Auckland. "We all need to do our bit to keep New Zealand's natural environment free of litter." Thelma Wilson, Senior Ranger Biodiversity. RecreationRangers share their favourite places to exploreLooking for new places to discover with your family this summer? We asked our local experts – DOC rangers at Visitor Centres – to share their top picks for whānau-friendly places to explore during the summer holidays. Image: Chrissy Wickes | DOC New views and experiences in Glacier ValleysState Highway 6 has reopened along with new viewpoints and tracks in the Franz Josef Valley and on the Fox Glacier South Side. Visitors can enjoy the world-class experiences the region is famous for. Image: Shellie Evans | © Drones vs birdsFlying drones in the vicinity of birds can be highly disturbing for them. A nesting colony of white-fronted terns were recently subject to a drone coming dangerously close in Murawai, leaving eggs and chicks at risk. Read our guidelines on minimising bird disturbance when flying your drone. Get involvedJoin in Mahi Aroha 2020This year's Central Plateau summer nature programme Mahi Aroha is running over January. There're plenty of fun whanāu-oriented events to connect you with nature and conservation. Events include old favourites as well as new events such as a litter pick up and free gondola ride at Whakapapa Ski Area. 'Lead the Way' to protect native wildlife on coastlinesSeveral endangered species are at risk from dog attacks on our coastlines. The 'Lead the Way' programme aims to promote responsible dog ownership and reduce negative dog interactions with coastal wildlife. Image: Crystal Brindle | DOC Hunt safely and responsibly this summerSummer sees a lot of different people out and about on conservation land, taking advantage of the holidays and long daylight hours. When hunting be conscious of who else might be out there in the bush. Keep safe, know the rules and enjoy the summer hunting season. Image: DOC Our workPutting pines in their place for ChristmasThe pine: a classic tree of joyous festivities, or destructive pest? Our Hawke’s Bay team headed out of the office with their Christmas tinsel and silky saws to investigate further. Image: DOC Rare lizard habitat protectedWe welcome Cardrona Alpine Resort Limited’s decision to halt chairlift construction as it would disturb an extremely significant site for New Zealand’s native lizards. Hundreds of lizards across five protected species (including two threatened species) would be affected by this development. Image: Sabine Bernert | © Cape Kidnappers Gannet Reserve track to remain closedThe track is to remain closed while the results of a risk analysis report are fully reviewed. “Visitor safety has to be our top priority." Jenny Nelson-Smith, Hawke’s Bay Operations Manager. Image: DOC NatureRock wren/tuke in the Haast RangeCheck out this awesome video from a ranger in our alpine field team monitoring rock wren/tuke nests in the Haast Range. At this time of year, endangered rock wrens will do anything for a precious feather to line their nests. Video: DOC Fiordland Bat Diaries: The Ettrick Burn part 2The story continues from our native bat monitoring trips in Ettrick Burn, Fiordland. The team spent a few nights catching bats in mist nets, fitting transmitters and then releasing them for tracking. However, fitting the transmitters is presenting the team with a few issues. Video: Warren Simpson DOC Two injured Northland kiwi returned homeAfter being injured and spending time at the Native Bird Recovery Centre in Whangarei, two kiwi made a trip back home to the Bay of Islands in full health. Image: DOC Image: Ray Salisbury | © Photo of the monthEpic huts, sandy beaches, lush forests and intriguing species — how did you spend the summer holidays in nature? See more from DOC |