Environmental Care in New Zealand
New Zealanders love the big outdoors. It takes only a little effort to leave our environment clean. When you are hiking, please follow these simple guidelines.
- Protect plants and animals
Treat New Zealand's forests and birds with care and respect. They are unique, often rare, and sometimes endangered.
- Remove rubbish
Litter is harmful to wildlife and marine life, and can increase vermin and the risk of disease. Try to reduce your rubbish, and when walking, carry out what you carry in.
- Bury toilet waste
In areas without toilet facilities, bury your toilet waste in a shallow hole well away from water sources.
- Keep streams and lakes clean
Soap and detergents are harmful to water-life so drain used water into the soil to allow it to be filtered. Do not use soap in any waterway or lake. If you suspect the water may be contaminated, either boil it for at least three minutes, filter, or chemically treat it.
- Take care with fires
Portable fuel stoves are less harmful to the environment and are more efficient than fires. If you do make a fire, keep it small, use only dead wood and make sure it is out by pouring water over it and burying the ashes.
- Keep to the track
When there is a track, keep on it. This will avoid damaging fragile plants and prevent you from becoming lost.
- Consider others
People visit the backcountry and rural areas for a variety of reasons. Be considerate of other visitors who also have a right to enjoy the natural environment.
- Respect our cultural heritage
Many places have spiritual, cultural, and historical significance. Treat these places with consideration and respect.
- Enjoy your visit
Enjoy your outdoor experience. Take a last look before leaving an area. Will the next visitor know you have been there?
- Recycling
In New Zealand, local authorities have set up many recycling depots. Glass, metal and plastic are the most commonly recycled products. Recycling outlets are located in all main centres throughout the country.