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Blog

17 April 2025

Wheel Creek Hut gets a do-up 

Wheel Creek Hut near Maruia on the South Island’s West Coast has a major makeover – with a refurbished roof, new piles and a smart paint job.

Featured

Fast-track Approvals Act and DOC

Fast-track Approvals Act and DOC

DOC considers the impact of Fast-track projects on public conservation land, waters and wildlife.

Improved hunting permit system on its way

Improved hunting permit system on its way

A new and improved hunting permit system will make it easier for New Zealanders to go hunting on public conservation land Minister for Hunting and Fishing James Meager says.

Donate to DOC nature projects

Donate to DOC nature projects

We need your help to grow funding for nature. By donating to these DOC nature projects you can help protect endangered species and habitats.

Pureora Hunting Competition

Pureora Hunting Competition

The 2025 Pureora Hunting Competition is a free annual competition for wild deer taken from the Pureora Forest Park during the competition period. It's open until 27 April.

Media releases

Public warned to keep away from Omaha sand dunes after sea snake spotted

Public warned to keep away from Omaha sand dunes after sea snake spotted

DOC is warning the public to keep away from sand dunes at the southern end of Omaha Beach, north of Auckland after a member of the public spotted a live native yellow-bellied sea snake resting there.

Bridge on popular Hooker Valley Track at Aoraki/Mount Cook closed after heavy rainfall

Bridge on popular Hooker Valley Track at Aoraki/Mount Cook closed after heavy rainfall

After heavy rainfall over Easter weekend, a bridge on the Hooker Valley Track, one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations, has been closed by the Department of Conservation.

Temporary closure for North Taranaki Visitor Centre

Temporary closure for North Taranaki Visitor Centre

DOC’s North Taranaki Visitor Centre will temporarily close in late April while demolition on the aging visitor centre building begins.

Mautohe Cathedral Cove reopens – visitors urged to exercise caution

Mautohe Cathedral Cove reopens – visitors urged to exercise caution

DOC urges caution after reopening tracks to Mautohe Cathedral Cove, following severe weather brought by ex-tropical Cyclone Tam.