Image: James Jubb | ©
In a tunnel on the Otago Central Rail Trail.
The value of heritage
Learn why managing our cultural and historic heritage is so important to New Zealand.

Our heritage is always at risk. It is important that we care for and protect our historic heritage for today and future generations.

The government regards the management of historical heritage within its care as an important part of its responsibilities.

DOC looks after historic sites and works with communities to tell stories and bring a place back to life. We are dedicated to providing you with valuable heritage experiences, whether that’s through creating an historic track or making resources available online.

Our team of heritage management specialists leads DOC's direction in delivering the protection of our history and bringing it to life, while our conservation service rangers manage heritage conservation work in the regions.

The three elements used to describe historic heritage are Fabric, Stories and Culture. One or all of these things make up the historic heritage of a place.

Our heritage helps us gain an understanding of New Zealand’s past and how this shapes and defines our Kiwi identity.

Find out how we manage heritage on conservation land.

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