A new campaign is asking tourists to visit "the Kiwi way" by looking after New Zealand this summer.
Tourists are being asked to look after New Zealand and its conservation areas when they visit. Pictured is the Able Tasman National Park. Photo: povalec/123RF
Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage launched the new campaign on Monday morning in a bid to encourage responsible travelling.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) will be equipped with increased visitor information and an additional $3.6 million to maintain facilities on public conservation land.
Eugenie Sage said the campaign aimed to help all visitors understand the need to have as little an impact on natural areas as possible.
"The campaign encourages people to travel responsibly and do the right thing with practical advice on how to behave in nature in relation to safety, littering, toileting, wildlife interactions, and drone use," Ms Sage said.
About 3.5m New Zealanders and 1.4m overseas tourists visit conservation areas at least once a year.
The additional funding will be used this summer to maintain facilities including cleaning toilets, dealing with toilet waste, track maintenance and compliance, along with employing additional rangers in visitor hotspots.
The announcement follows a push by the tourism industry for visitors to take care of the country, including the Tiaki - Care for New Zealand campaign.
More than $42.2m has been invested by DOC to improve visitor facilities and infrastructure in the past three financial years.
Ms Sage said more people than ever were enjoying the great outdoors.
Key messages of Visit the Kiwi way - Look after our place:
- Give wildlife space, keeping 20 metres away, and never feed birds.
- Take your litter with you and dispose of it properly
- Use a toilet.
- Always be prepared - have a well planned trip, the right gear and supplies, knowledge of the weather, and know your limits.