New maps now live

We've built four new maps for you to use - these will load faster and be more tailored to what you need than our previous map.

Visit our new maps homepage here.

On the maps homepage, click on a tile to choose your map. Each map has a short description below the tile describing the types of information it contains. You can choose from Outdoor Access; Tracks & Trails; Hunting & Fishing; Public Access Areas; and Property Information maps.

Also on our maps homepage are links to our extensive help files, and information on how to switch between maps, or to change the base map to use Topo or Satellite views.

We hope you enjoy them, and please fill out our feedback form!

South Island High Country - we want your feedback!

We've produced a draft report for consultation on public access to the outdoors in and around the South Island High Country. We’re now seeking views from the public on this consultation draft – are there issues we’ve missed? What are the opportunities for the region? How can we work together on solutions?

To prepare the report, Commission staff held in-depth discussions with 55 people, including landholders and farmers; central and local government staff; recreationalists; community groups building, maintaining and using tracks and trails; tourism operators and agencies, and others.

What's missing on our maps?

So how complete is WAMS? When I had only been in this role a few months, a WAMS user outlined to me the amount of missing access data in the Nelson area. I took their views on board and this year we are running a project looking at how complete WAMS is.

Sneak peek at our new website

Later this year, we'll be launching a brand new website. The new site will bring our four sites (walkingaccess.govt.nz, Both Sides of the Fence, WAMS and Follow the Kiwi Way) under one roof for the first time, and offer some great new functionality.

Kids: What's your Top Outdoor Spot?

Running throughout terms 1 and 2, the Top Outdoor Spot competition encourages New Zealand school children to send in a photo or drawing of their favourite outdoor spot and a short description about what makes it special for the chance to win.

Nominate for the Golden Foot Walking Awards

The Golden Foot Walking Awards celebrate innovative facilities, highlight national best practice and reward ongoing commitment to walking for all ages and abilities.

The awards are organised by Living Streets Aotearoa, and nominations are open until 25 May, 2018.

Auckland Council publicise their paths

Auckland Council, in partnership with Downer and Beca, has created the Akl Paths site to help people discover new neighbourhood walking and cycling routes.

The page is designed for Aucklanders of all ages who want to get out and experience the city. Whether walking the dog in a new setting, taking the kids for a weekend bike ride to a sports field, or finding an alternative route for your run, Akl Paths aims to make exploring easier.

Meet our new staff: Jo, Dot and Joy

The Commission has welcomed two new staff in Wellington and a new Regional Field Advisor in Auckland recently.

Jo McCabe is our new Policy and Partnerships Advisor, Joy Yang our new Corporate Services Assistant and Dot Dalziell the new Auckland Regional Field Advisor.

Strong communities, strong trails

By John Gardiner

What I like best about my role as New Zealand Walking Access Commission (NZWAC) Regional Field Advisor, Northland, is observing the real pleasure, pride and camaraderie that community groups enjoy at the completion of a community project involving working together in the outdoors.