New Zealand's lakes, rivers, wetlands, and coast are places of enjoyment for most of us. However, growing use of these areas has led to an increase in unsightly and dangerous rubbish, erosion, and the spread of plant and animal pests and disease. As our use of these places has increased, the life within them has often diminished. These problems severely threaten water quality and with it our health and safety, the survival of plants and animals, and our enjoyment of this heritage.
Please help us protect lakes, rivers, wetlands, beaches and the ocean by following these guidelines on your visit.
Find out and follow the regulations governing recreational use of waterways and access. They are designed to minimise conflict between users and protect everyone's health and safety.
By using existing facilities, where these are provided, you run less chance of disturbing wildlife and damaging riverbanks and foreshores.
Careless use of equipment can harm wildlife and other users.
Litter is unattractive, harmful to wildlife and pollutes water. Plan your visit to reduce rubbish, and carry out what you carry in.
Improper disposal of toilet waste can contaminate water, damage the environment, and is culturally offensive. Use disposal facilities where provided or bury waste in a shallow hole at least 50 metres away from waterways.
Use chemicals sparingly, and refuel with care. Dispose of cooking and washing water well away from the source.
When taking food from the sea or freshwater don't overdo it. Sustain life in our waterways by taking only what you need and no more than the legal limit.
Many New Zealand waterways have special cultural, spiritual or historical values. Treat these places with consideration and respect.
Remember we are only visitors to water environments. Other animal and plant species live there all the time.
Respect other visitors ... everyone has the right to enjoy the environment in safety.
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Planning a trip in the backcountry? (PDF, 668K)
Mountain safety council website
www.beacons.org.nz
Backcountry avalanche advisory website
Stop the spread of didymo
Check, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code: 1. Plan your trip 2. Tell someone 3. Be aware of the weather 4. Know your limits 5. Take sufficient supplies
Safety