In this section:

Over Easter you can enjoy marine reserves, conservation lands and scenic reserves managed by DOC. Whether you're interested in a backcountry adventure or learning about an area steeped in Maori history, DOC can help you plan your visit.

Toetoe Northland. Photo: C. Rudge.

Northland

Northland features walkways, huts, campsites and visitor facilities. From remote adventures, to easy walks through the bush, to underwater experiences at one of the world’s top dive spots, Northland has much to offer.

Aerial view of North Head with Rangitoto Island in the background, Auckland.

Auckland

DOC's Auckland region extends from the Kaipara Harbour entrance and Mangawhai in the north, to the Waikato River and Miranda in the south and includes the many marine and island reserves of the Hauraki Gulf, as well as the Kermadec Islands.

Boat, Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsula.

Waikato

DOC administers around 270 000 hectares of public conservation land and 1200 km of coastline in the Waikato region. The region extends from the Coromandel Peninsula, through the King Country and across most of the Waikato region.

Lake Tarawera with Mount Tarawera in the background. Photo: C Rudge.

Bay of Plenty

From the Kaimai-Mamaku Forest Park, to marine reserves at Tuhua and Te Paepae Aotea, on to Whirinaki Forest Park, the Bay of Plenty contains about 178 000 hectares of public conservation lands administered by DOC.

Aerial view of Mount Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe, Tongariro National Park. Photo: DOC.

Tongariro/Taupo

The Tongariro/Taupo region encompasses approximately 217 000 hectares of public conservation land on the central North Island. Here you’ll find Tongariro National Park and the western side of Lake Taupo.

Anaura Bay, East Coast. Photo: C Rudge.

East Coast/Hawke's Bay

DOC administers around 590 000 hectares of public conservation land in the East Coast/Hawke's Bay region, including Te Urewera National Park.

Bridge to nowhere. Photo: Sue Jones.

Wanganui

The Wanganui region encompasses 20 000 square kilometres of land, including Egmont National Park, Whanganui National Park and Sugar Loaf Islands Conservation area.

A ferry passes Matiu/Somes Island with the snowy Tararuas behind. Photo: Jeremy Rolfe.

Wellington

DOC administers 183 625 hectares of public conservation land in the Wellington region. From Pukaha Mount Bruce to Kapiti Marine Reserve and the Dominion Observatory. DOC also protects a number of significant natural and historic sites.

Mangere Island. Photo: John Mason.

Chatham Islands

The Chatham Islands are located 860 kilometres east of Christchurch. DOC is responsible for 8,001 hectares, in 41 reserves in the island group.

Sea kayaking, Abel Tasman National Park.

Nelson/Marlborough

DOC looks after more than 40% of the land area in the Nelson/Marlborough region on behalf of the public. National parks in the region include Abel Tasman, Kahurangi, and Nelson Lakes.

Fox Glacier. Photo: Bruce Postill.

West Coast

DOC manages more than 1.9 million hectares of land on the West Coast, including two kiwi sanctuaries, five national parks, two wilderness areas and a World Heritage area.

Aoraki/Mt Cook. Photo: S O'Dea.

Canterbury

DOC manages 808 000 hectares of public land in the Canterbury region, including two national parks, five conservation parks and numerous reserves and conservation areas. The region also includes Pohatu Marine Reserve and Banks Peninsula Marine Mammal Sanctuary.

Royal albatross, Taiaroa Head. Photo: M F Soper.

Otago

With 500 000 hectares of public conservation land, the Otago region encompasses a 300-kilometre coastline and conservation areas such as Catlins Forest Park, and Te Papanui and Kopuwai. Its largest area is Mount Aspiring National Park.

Milford Sound. Photo:  Les Molloy.

Southland

DOC administers about 1.9 million hectares of conservation land in Southland, including Fiordland National Park, Rakiura National Park and five subantarctic island groups that are World Heritage sites.