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Improving our data
We're adding 20–50 esplanade strips to our free public access maps every month. Our data improvement plan will continue to make access to more rivers, lakes and forests visible to people who want to enjoy the outdoors.
Our goal is to have maps that show all public access in New Zealand. We know we have a way to go, but we are making big improvements, which means people can rely more on the data we give them.
How to find unformed legal roads
Unformed legal roads can be a great recreational asset, providing public access to the outdoors. However, they’re often indistinguishable from private land and aren’t shown on Topo maps. You can find unformed legal roads by using the Public Access Areas layer on our maps.
Crossing private land
We've recently updated and simplified the advice on our website about crossing private land.
Many private landholders are keen to share their land with responsible visitors. The starting point is to ask nicely if you’re not sure.
Tracks and trails hui supporting trail groups to work with DOC
Our network of tracks and trails groups is growing. Our mailing list database has grown to 190 people and we regularly have 30-50 people attending the quarterly online hui. At the February hui, we discussed how DOC can provide help and advice on developing your trail in a way that supports our environment and protects nature. At the May hui we discussed working with councils.
Overseas Investment Office requests
Our regional field advisors have been working on assessments for Overseas Investment Office consultation requests. Our role is to consider if there are any access opportunities for New Zealanders that should become part of the conditions of sale.
This financial year there have been 21 new OIO cases created – 14 of those have been created since the start of January. We only received three OIO cases in the entire 2021–2022 financial year.
Nelson trail maker receives Outdoor Access Champion Award
We recently celebrated Bill Gilbertson’s work as co-founder of the Nelson Tasman Trails Trust and as one of the forces behind establishing the 200km long Great Taste Bike Trail.
Belmont Track builder recognised for bringing people together
Outdoor Access Champion award winner Jamie Stewart has led his local community in a project to enhance and maintain a network of tracks, picnic areas and swimming holes in Pareraho Forest, a corner of Belmont Regional Park. The tracks link the Lower Hutt suburbs of Belmont and Kelson.
It's time to update your Pocket Maps app
Pocket Maps is a mobile mapping app for the outdoors. Find out what publicly accessible areas are local to you and explore somewhere new.
New in the latest version:
- Coordinates for any location – long-press the map to drop a pin and share its coordinates.
- An improved interface: get easier access to features such as screenshots and basemaps.
- More content layers: including tracks and trails; Department of Conservation huts and campsites; and Fish & Game hunting and fishing access locations.
- Improved basemaps (online only): see the topography of an area with the new hill shading option and benefit from richer aerial imagery now overlaid with roads, locations and boundaries.
- Elevation profiles (online only): click on a track to see its elevation profile.
- News and easier updates: see occasional news and available app updates on the start screen.
- Offline help documentation.
Check the app store to update or install Pocket Maps:
Android or iOS
Get involved as we improve our website
We're seeking your input to help improve our website's usefulness. Sign up to take part in short rounds of online testing and feedback. You're under no obligation and can opt out at any time.
Snippets
A dispute about access to Arthur’s Pass National Park via Mt White Station made the news. Herenga ā Nuku outlined its “clear expectation” that the public should have access to the valley — Read more.
A state-of-the-art satellite positioning system based in Southland is improving GPS accuracy to within 10 centimetres. This improved accuracy means most people using Pocket Maps and other Herenga ā Nuku maps can be more confident of their location — Read more.
Urban List wrote a listicle promoting some of the best dog walks on Plan My Walk — Read more.
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100 Willis St, Wellington
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