Processing of applications for permits and concessions will stop for our statutory closedown period from Friday 20 December 2024 and resume on Monday 13 January 2025. DOC offices will close on 24 December 2024 and reopen on 6 January 2025.
Primary and secondary schools do not need a permit to camp on public conservation land unless a commercial organisation is organising the trip. Tertiary institutions organising a research trip for students are likely to need a permit.
To obtain access across public conservation land for your business or private property you must have a concession from DOC. This is known as an easement and includes activities such as conveying electricity, telecommunications, water and gas or right of way for vehicles or stock.
To use a helicopter to carry out aerially assisted trophy hunting, either commercially or for personal gain, you must have a concession from DOC.
Aircraft activities on or over public conservation lands and waters must have a concession or authorisation from DOC. This includes both commercial operations and private recreational activities.
To lay pesticides or traps on public conservation land you must have permission from DOC.
If you’d like to put beehives on public conservation land, follow these application guidelines.
Learn about operating drones on public conservation land and how to apply for DOC for a drone concession (permit).
To film anything for commercial purposes on public conservation land you must have a concession from DOC. This includes activities such as making a documentary, movie or advertisement.
Apply for an exemption from the requirement to maintain a culvert or ford to allow fish passage, to construct a dam or diversion structure or modify an existing fish facility.
To graze any animal on public conservation land you must have a concession from DOC.
There are a number of tracks across New Zealand that are available for guided walking if certain conditions are followed. These are called ‘conforming’ tracks.
To provide land-based guided activities such as walking, hiking, tramping, climbing, hunting, fishing, biking or motorised vehicles on public conservation land you must have a concession from DOC.
You need a WARO concession for deer, pig, goat and chamois carcass recovery and the live capture of deer, pig and goat.
The news media have the same access to public conservation land that the general public enjoys.
Information for when the activity you would like to conduct on public conservation land does not fall into any of the other categories in this section.
To build or use a private or commercial facility or structure on public conservation land you must have a concession from DOC. This includes building an information centre, erecting a weather station or constructing or leasing a private or commercial campground.
To hold a sporting event such as a 4WD club trip, off-road running race or multi-sport event on public conservation land you must have a concession from DOC.
To apply for a tenancy or use any existing structure or facility on public conservation land you must have a concession from DOC. This includes the permanent use of a historic building for a business or community group.
To provide watercraft activities such as kayaking, boat landings or use of DOC wharves you must have a concession from DOC.