Fair allocation process for commercial activities in Abel Tasman and Kaiteriteri

Introduction

DOC will design an allocation process to grant new concessions through a targeted consultation process.

Existing concessions for commercial activities at a number of locations in Abel Tasman and Kaiteriteri are due to expire on 30 April 2027. DOC will consult interested parties on the design of a fair allocation process for this limited supply opportunity.  

Background

All land and water-based commercial activity on public conservation land requires a concession issued by DOC. The management plans for the Abel Tasman National Park, Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve (gazetted as Abel Tasman Scenic Reserve) and Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve specify limits on the amount of commercial activity at each of these locations. Limiting concession activity aims to protect conservation values and recreation experiences.

Existing concessions for the following types of activity within the Abel Tasman National Park/Abel Tasman Scenic Reserve and Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve are due to expire on 30 April 2027:

  • Water-based activities including guided kayaking, guided waka trips, water taxi, charter boats, cruise ship activity and floating accommodation in the Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve/Abel Tasman Scenic Reserve.
  • Land-based guided walking on the Abel Tasman Coast Track and associated facility use in the Abel Tasman National Park.
  • Water-based activities including guided kayaking, water taxi, charter boats, SUP, and waka ama in the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve.

DOC wants to consider the future of these concession types within these places in a fair and consistent manner, by way of an allocation process.

Allocation process

DOC, along with the iwi of Te Tauihu / Te Tau Ihu, will design an allocation process to grant new concessions. To do this, we need to understand the views of current and prospective concessionaires, as well as other interested people and organisations. We will do this through a targeted consultation process.

Relevant legislation

DOC is required to consider concessions in accordance with legislation and relevant statutory documents. These include:

  • Section 4 of the Conservation Act, to give effect to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi
  • National Parks Act 1980
  • General Policy for National Parks 2005
  • Part 3B of the Conservation Act
  • Abel Tasman National Park Management Plan
  • Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve Management Plan
  • Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve and Kaka Point Historic Reserve Management Plan

Timeline

The timeline below is tentative. It shows you how DOC will develop the allocation process and how you will be able to have your say during the process:

  • September 2024: section 17ZG(2)(a) notice issued to restrict new applications for commercial activities at these locations until the new process is developed. (complete)
  • May 2025: DOC will release an expression of interest on 1 May 2025. The expression of interest will run for three weeks. It aims to help DOC understand the nature and number of parties that may be interested in holding a concession. This expression of interest is not part of the formal allocation process that will be run later in the year. Rather, it will help to inform the development of the allocation process.
  • July 2025: release of a targeted consultation document. The consultation document will outline the proposed allocation process. It will seek feedback from current and prospective concessionaires as well as other interested people and organisations. It is anticipated that the consultation document will include information about the cost of a concession.
  • August / September 2025: analyse feedback on the proposed process, make any necessary changes, and finalise the allocation process to be used.
  • October / November 2025: Formal allocation process begins for concessions that will come into effect from 1 May 2027. We recognise that this date is close to the peak season for commercial activity that takes place at Abel Tasman and Kaiteriteri. Subject to feedback received through the consultation process, the formal allocation process may be delayed to 2026.

Expression of interest

The expression of interest form will be published on this page, along with further information, on 1 May 2025. The form will be open for three weeks, closing at 5 pm on Friday 23 May 2025.

Contact

If you have a question regarding this process, email abeltasmanallocationprocess@doc.govt.nz