Follow The Kiwi Way

Rocky hiking trail, surrounded by green trees. Summer with bright blue sky. Whangarei Heads, New Zealand
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Rocky hiking trail, surrounded by green trees. Summer with bright blue sky. Whangarei Heads, New Zealand

Going walkabout in our great outdoors is a highlight of the summer. The New Zealand Walking Access Commission would like to remind all those getting out and about through rural areas and along the coastline ‘to follow the Kiwi way.’

Commission chief executive Mark Neeson said many rural communities faced increased pressure from people wanting to cross their land over the summer months and it was important those accessing rural environments did so responsibly.

“Over the summer, people take the opportunity to get out of the cities and explore the outdoors. This is a brilliant part of our culture, and the best way to protect it is by respecting the outdoor areas we love to visit.”

Mr Neeson said research conducted by the Commission showed people were still passionate about enjoyment of the outdoors, but suggested a need to continue raising awareness of responsible behaviour to maintain links between urban and rural New Zealand.

There is no right of public access across private land, however, with respectful consultation, many landowners are flexible about allowing people walking access.

Mr Neeson said many visitors, whether from New Zealand or overseas, were keen to understand the best ways to access the outdoors responsibly, and if the basic rules made readily available in the New Zealand Outdoor Access Code were followed, this would help to preserve the relationship between visitors and landholders.

These rules include considering others when enjoying the outdoors, taking care when using firearms or lighting fires, and asking permission before crossing private land. People accessing private land with the permission of a landholder should make sure to leave gates as they are found and be careful not to unduly disturb or drive stock, Mr Neeson said.

“Most New Zealanders have a pretty good understanding of responsible behaviour in the outdoors. However with increasing migration and urbanisation, knowledge around how to access the outdoors responsibly is something we need to continue to share to ensure our way of life is maintained for future generations.”