10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing DOC update DOC How to be a low impact camper Get the most out of your stay at a DOC campsite, minimise your impact and respect people, wildlife and places. Image: Camping on the Whanganui Journey © Laura Honey | DOC ckw.nz/doc-camping Time to get out and explore Tairāwhiti “We’ve got some beautiful spots on our doorstep waiting to be explored,” says DOC Senior Ranger Moira Lee. “Te Kuri Walkway in Gisborne, Cooks Cove Walkway in Tolaga Bay, and the DOC campground in Anaura Bay are all open for visitors. IMAGE: Anaura Bay © Moira Lee | DOC ckw.nz/tai-rawhiti-24 | ckw.nz/east-coast-24 DOC Northland readies for a busy summer DOC is gearing up for a busy summer, with thousands of campers expected to flock to popular Northland campsites. Northland’s DOC campsites have always been a favourite for summer holidaymakers, offering unique experiences from coastal views to tranquil bush settings. We encourage people to plan ahead and book early where possible, especially during peak times and be aware of the rules in place to protect these special places. No dogs. Image: Mimiwhangta Campground with campers © DOC ckw.nz/doc-northland-24 Lighting fires on public conservation land Find out when and where you can light fires at huts, campsites and in the backcountry on public conservation land. Image: Christina Wray | Creative Commons ckw.nz/doc-fires Meat the G.O.A.T Wild goat meat is one of the most lean and high-protein meats. In the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition DOC teamed up with Cazador restaurant to share some tasty wild goat recipes. Image: DOC © Cazador restaurant cazador.co.nz | ckw.nz/goat-recipes Leave Denniston relics where they lie DOC has a simple message for locals and visitors to top West Coast tourist destination and Tohu Whenua site Denniston — “leave Denniston relics where they lie.” Image: Denniston relics © DOC` ckw.nz/relics Celebrating 10 years of West Coast Marine Reserves The main intent of marine reserves is as areas for scientific study. But they have also been celebrated as places to enjoy the natural environment, and as a kind of insurance against the impacts that people can have on the sea. They are a place where fish and other sea life can grow, sustaining local habitats and breeding stocks. Each of the reserves has unique features. ckw.nz/wc-10yrs | ckw.nz/wc-marine | Image: ©DOC Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track becomes New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk Hump Ridge Track is a 3-day loop over sub-alpine tops and around rugged coastline in southern Fiordland. It opened as our 11th Great Walk on 25 October 2024. Image: ©DOC ckw.nz/11th-great-walk | ckw.nz/hump-ridge-24 | ckw.nz/hump-ridge-book Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 44

10 summer 2024 Summer 2024 ISSUE 10 BUY PDF ToC Click on image for full view and caption GO TO Springing DOC update DOC How to be a low impact camper Get the most out of your stay at a DOC campsite, minimise your impact and respect people, wildlife and places. Image: Camping on the Whanganui Journey © Laura Honey | DOC ckw.nz/doc-camping Time to get out and explore Tairāwhiti “We’ve got some beautiful spots on our doorstep waiting to be explored,” says DOC Senior Ranger Moira Lee. “Te Kuri Walkway in Gisborne, Cooks Cove Walkway in Tolaga Bay, and the DOC campground in Anaura Bay are all open for visitors. IMAGE: Anaura Bay © Moira Lee | DOC ckw.nz/tai-rawhiti-24 | ckw.nz/east-coast-24 DOC Northland readies for a busy summer DOC is gearing up for a busy summer, with thousands of campers expected to flock to popular Northland campsites. Northland’s DOC campsites have always been a favourite for summer holidaymakers, offering unique experiences from coastal views to tranquil bush settings. We encourage people to plan ahead and book early where possible, especially during peak times and be aware of the rules in place to protect these special places. No dogs. Image: Mimiwhangta Campground with campers © DOC ckw.nz/doc-northland-24 Lighting fires on public conservation land Find out when and where you can light fires at huts, campsites and in the backcountry on public conservation land. Image: Christina Wray | Creative Commons ckw.nz/doc-fires Meat the G.O.A.T Wild goat meat is one of the most lean and high-protein meats. In the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition DOC teamed up with Cazador restaurant to share some tasty wild goat recipes. Image: DOC © Cazador restaurant cazador.co.nz | ckw.nz/goat-recipes Leave Denniston relics where they lie DOC has a simple message for locals and visitors to top West Coast tourist destination and Tohu Whenua site Denniston — “leave Denniston relics where they lie.” Image: Denniston relics © DOC` ckw.nz/relics Celebrating 10 years of West Coast Marine Reserves The main intent of marine reserves is as areas for scientific study. But they have also been celebrated as places to enjoy the natural environment, and as a kind of insurance against the impacts that people can have on the sea. They are a place where fish and other sea life can grow, sustaining local habitats and breeding stocks. Each of the reserves has unique features. ckw.nz/wc-10yrs | ckw.nz/wc-marine | Image: ©DOC Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track becomes New Zealand’s 11th Great Walk Hump Ridge Track is a 3-day loop over sub-alpine tops and around rugged coastline in southern Fiordland. It opened as our 11th Great Walk on 25 October 2024. Image: ©DOC ckw.nz/11th-great-walk | ckw.nz/hump-ridge-24 | ckw.nz/hump-ridge-book Up Up 10 Summer 2024 , p 44

Coromandel , Hector’s dolphins, Kaimai tracks, Tongariro Alpine Crossing, The Heaphy Track, Pike29 Memorial Track , southern tracks, Hump Ridge Track Summer 2023 ISSUE 6 BUY PDF CONTENTS Up DOC update Up DOC Photo: Stingray Bay, Coromandel. © Piotr Zurek | Creative Commons Above image: Stingray Bay, Coromandel. © Piotr Zurek | Creative Commons Coromandel seaside campsites reopen for summer, but… …there are changes after Cyclone Gabrielle. Some have reduced capacity and some have reduced facilities. In an effort to reduce the stress on the gravel roads some sites have reduced capacity. Port Jackson down to 185 people (from 250), Fletcher Bay down to 200 (from 300), and Fantail Bay 60 people (previously 80). Booking is advised. Port Jackson and Fletcher Bay are now a “backcountry standard” instead of a “standard”. It seems they chose “backcountry” so they can charge a fee (the “basic” campsite with the same facilities (or lack thereof) is free). There are warnings: DOC recommend 4WD for the remote camps, making sure you have, and know how to change, your spare wheel. Carry spare fuel. Watch weather forecasts as weather may compromise the roads. Conserve water. Be aware of and obey fire bans. Carry everything you need: don’t assume you will have access to anything, including food, water, fuel or emergency supplies. ckw.nz/doc-coro | ckw.nz/doc-camps-fees Have you seen Hector’s dolphins in the Firth of Thames? Two Hector’s dolphins have been spotted in the Firth of Thames, prompting DOC to call on people to report more sightings of the animals. It’s just the third time in 60 years the species has been spotted here.  Image: Hector’s dolphin. Steve Smith | © DOC ckw.nz/doc-hectors Kaimai tracks Some Kaimai tracks are reopening, while others stay closed to protect the kauri from Kauri Disease. ckw.nz/doc-kaimai Karangahake Gorge, in Kaimai Mamuka Forest. Stefan Marks | Creative Commons Book in and protect the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Visitor numbers on the Crossing are putting consistent pressure on the conservation and cultural values of the area, as well as the infrastructure. Booking is not compulsory, but please do. Tongariro National Park has Dual World Heritage status for its cultural and natural heritage values. ckw.nz/doc-tongariro Image : Steep descent from Red Crater to Emerald Lakes on loose rock | © DOC The Heaphy Track has reopened Over 11,600 bednights have already been booked between October and June ‘24. ckw.nz/doc-heaphy Heaphy track. Jono | CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Pike29 Memorial Track opening in February The Pike29 Memorial Track is opening on 17 February ‘24. The 11.6km dual mountain biking and walking track will connect the Paparoa Track Great Walk to the Pike River Valley. There is also an easy 15-minute walk from the Pike Valley carpark leading to twin bridges within the forest. The track rises 880m from the Pike River Valley floor to the Paparoa Range ridge line, making it a challenging walk or ride in a spectacular landscape, from alpine scrub through to luxuriant forest. As you walk it you are introduced to the story of what happened at the Pike River Mine. No dogs Carpark to Paparoa Track intersection, 11.6km, 3-5 hours. Once the memorial work is completed, vehicle access to the start of the track will be via Logburn Road (which leads into Pike Valley Road) off Atarau Road northeast of Blackball. ckw.nz/doc-pike29-about | ckw.nz/doc-pike29 Image: Pike29 Memorial Track near junction with Paparoa Track. Stewart Nimmo | © DOC Many Southern tracks open, but caution advised Tracks, bridges and huts have been affected by the Sept ’23 and Feb ’20 weather events. Where there are large washouts or bridges down, DOC has closed tracks until repairs or remediation can take place. Other tracks are still open but require extra caution. Always check the weather forecast, look at the DOC website or contact their nearest visitor centre for up-to-date information on track conditions. ckw.nz/doc-southern Image: A slip which caused a dam to form above Freeman Burn hut in Fiordland. | © DOC Hump Ridge Track upgrade to a Great Walk is delayed The track is already open and in use, managed by the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Charitable Trust. Bookings are still open during construction, with public access given priority ckw.nz/hump-ridge-book . The hope is to reach ‘Great Walk’ status in October ‘24. The Hump Ridge track is 61kms and takes about three days. It is an alpine environment with soaring limestone tors, uphill sections through coastal forests, expansive beaches, historic viaduct bridges, old timber settlements, and the longest tramway sleeper walk in the southern hemisphere.  ckw.nz/doc-hump-ridge Image: Southern rata in bloom at the Hump Ridge Track. | © DOC Up Up doc-coro-stingray-bay-hero_mw.webp doc-bridge-karangahake-gorge-1920_mw.webp doc-tac-summer-1920_mw.webp doc-coro-stingray-bay-hero_mw.webp 1/8

8 Winter 2024 Winter 2024 ISSUE 8 BUY PDF CONTENTS Click on image for full view and caption doc-update-H.webp Image: Ainsley Harris | DOC How to dress for success in the great outdoors The right clothing will not only ensure you have a more comfortable and enjoyable trip but could literally save your life. Here’s some top tips for how to dress for the colder months. 
Photo | DOC ckw.nz/dress-outdoors Great Walks mythbusting There’s been a bit of misinformation going around about booking our Great Walks. We’ve written this blog to tackle the most common misconceptions. Photo: Milford Track | DOC ckw.nz/great-walks-myths Temporary closure of Northland tracks for cyclone recovery Two of Northland’s popular walks at Mangawhai Cliffs and Mt Manaia will be closed while they are repaired and enhanced after damage by Cyclone Gabrielle. Alternative tracks are available. Photo: Damage to Mangawhai Headland Walkway February 2023 | DOC ckw.nz/northland-tracks Cathedral Cove options Closed by extreme weather in Feb 23, three options are being considered. One is a short-term fix which would see construction of new steps and a boardwalk to reinstate a section of the existing track, while the two others would be long-term repairs involving installation of a cantilevered staircase and steps to the beach. 
Photo: Cathedral Cove damage Image: Ainsley Harris | DOC ckw.nz/cove-options Teaching the cultural story of the environment in Taranaki Te Ara Taiao is an education programme teaching school children about the environment and culture around them in Taranaki. 
Photo: Patuha maunga (known as Kaitake), one of the maunga 
that students learn about. | DOC ckw.nz/taranaki-story New suspension bridge on the Taranaki Maunga Within Egmont National Park/Te Papakura o Taranaki, it has been designed for a lifespan of 100 years, and to withstand the sub-alpine Manganui Gorge’s winds, weather conditions and a one in 250-year Mt Taranaki Avalanche. Supported by two massive masts at either end, the bridge sits 49.5m above the floor of the gorge. Photo: Suspension bridge on the Taranaki Maunga .
Wayne Boness |DOC ckw.nz/manganui Jos Divis cottage restoration celebrated Family members from the Czech Republic were among those who gathered at the old gold mining township of Waiuta today to celebrate the restoration of Jos Divis’ old home. Czech émigré Divis (1885–1967) was a keen amateur photographer who documented gold mining life during the heyday of the town, about 35 km from Reefton.
Photo: Jos Divis’ restored cottage at Waiuta | DOC ckw.nz/waiuta Dog attack believed to have killed 19 gulls in Kaikōura Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura and DOC are reminding people to control dogs in coastal areas after 19 gulls/tarāpunga were found dead at Kaikōura’s South Bay, seemingly killed by a dog or dogs. “Dog owners should keep their dogs on a lead, not only to protect wildlife but also to keep their dog safe. We have witnessed seals attack unsuspecting dogs in the past.” Photo: Dead gulls South Bay, Kaikōura | DOC ckw.nz/dogs-gulls Quad bikers trash national park track Quad bikers trash national park track. In March a group of quad bike riders has caused extensive damage in Arthur’s Pass National Park in Canterbury, crushing sensitive vegetation, trashing boardwalks and leaving a trail of empty alcohol cans in their wake. 
Photo: The quad bike people of interest. | DOC ckw.nz/quads Canterbury spotted skink in serious trouble One of our rarest, seldom-seen skinks is even more threatened than we had thought, with fewer than 1000 mature individuals. It is now classified as Nationally Critical — the last step before extinction. Most Canterbury spotted skink populations are on private and council land. 
Canterbury spotted skink Image: James Reardon | DOC ckw.nz/skinks DOC Ōtepoti Visitor Centre to close DOC is closing its Ōtepoti Dunedin Visitor Centre and will focus on wildlife advocacy in the city in other ways. The i site will continue to provide visitor information and share wildlife advocacy information. Information about wildlife, tracks and huts in the region can be found on the DOC website. 
Photo: Sandy Bay lookout. | DOC ckw.nz/otepoti GO TO Autumn Gold DOC update DOC How to dress for success in the great outdoors The right clothing will not only ensure you have a more comfortable and enjoyable trip but could literally save your life. Here’s some top tips for how to dress for the colder months. Photo | DOC ckw.nz/dress-outdoors Great Walks mythbusting There’s been a bit of misinformation going around about booking our Great Walks. We’ve written this blog to tackle the most common misconceptions. Photo: Milford Track | DOC ckw.nz/great-walks-myths Temporary closure of Northland tracks for cyclone recovery Two of Northland’s popular walks at Mangawhai Cliffs and Mt Manaia will be closed while they are repaired and enhanced after damage by Cyclone Gabrielle. Alternative tracks are available. Photo: Damage to Mangawhai Headland Walkway February 2023 | DOC ckw.nz/northland-tracks Cathedral Cove options Closed by extreme weather in Feb 23, three options are being considered. One is a short-term fix which would see construction of new steps and a boardwalk to reinstate a section of the existing track, while the two others would be long-term repairs involving installation of a cantilevered staircase and steps to the beach. Photo: Cathedral Cove damage Image: Ainsley Harris | DOC ckw.nz/cove-options Teaching the cultural story of the environment in Taranaki Te Ara Taiao is an education programme teaching school children about the environment and culture around them in Taranaki. Photo: Patuha maunga (known as Kaitake), one of the maunga that students learn about. | DOC ckw.nz/taranaki-story New suspension bridge on the Taranaki Maunga Within Egmont National Park/Te Papakura o Taranaki, it has been designed for a lifespan of 100 years, and to withstand the sub-alpine Manganui Gorge’s winds, weather conditions and a one in 250-year Mt Taranaki Avalanche. Supported by two massive masts at either end, the bridge sits 49.5m above the floor of the gorge. Photo: Suspension bridge on the Taranaki Maunga .Wayne Boness |DOC ckw.nz/manganui Jos Divis cottage restoration celebrated Family members from the Czech Republic were among those who gathered at the old gold mining township of Waiuta today to celebrate the restoration of Jos Divis’ old home. Czech émigré Divis (1885–1967) was a keen amateur photographer who documented gold mining life during the heyday of the town, about 35 km from Reefton. Photo: Jos Divis’ restored cottage at Waiuta | DOC ckw.nz/waiuta Dog attack believed to have killed 19 gulls in Kaikōura Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura and DOC are reminding people to control dogs in coastal areas after 19 gulls/tarāpunga were found dead at Kaikōura’s South Bay, seemingly killed by a dog or dogs. “Dog owners should keep their dogs on a lead, not only to protect wildlife but also to keep their dog safe. We have witnessed seals attack unsuspecting dogs in the past.” Photo: Dead gulls South Bay, Kaikōura | DOC ckw.nz/dogs-gulls Quad bikers trash national park track Quad bikers trash national park track. In March a group of quad bike riders has caused extensive damage in Arthur’s Pass National Park in Canterbury, crushing sensitive vegetation, trashing boardwalks and leaving a trail of empty alcohol cans in their wake. Photo: The quad bike people of interest. | DOC ckw.nz/quads Canterbury spotted skink in serious trouble One of our rarest, seldom-seen skinks is even more threatened than we had thought, with fewer than 1000 mature individuals. It is now classified as Nationally Critical — the last step before extinction. Most Canterbury spotted skink populations are on private and council land. Canterbury spotted skink Image: James Reardon | DOC ckw.nz/skinks DOC Ōtepoti Visitor Centre to close DOC is closing its Ōtepoti Dunedin Visitor Centre and will focus on wildlife advocacy in the city in other ways. The i site will continue to provide visitor information and share wildlife advocacy information. Information about wildlife, tracks and huts in the region can be found on the DOC website. Photo: Sandy Bay lookout. | DOC ckw.nz/otepoti Up Up 8 Winter 2024 , p 39