Some public areas are only accessible across private land. 

Earlier this year, Te Herenga ā Nuku, the Land Access Commission, shared a story on how ‘old-fashioned’ values instead of a lawyer can help with this.

A hunter wanted to take his vehicle across a high country station, and the commission was able to provide the  land owner’s contact details.

The station’s manager allowed the hunter to use their private road in return for a box of beer. It was a successful exchange.

Commission communications manager Stephen Day said many landowners are happy to share their land with outdoor recreationists, “as long as they ask politely”.

In New Zealand there is no ‘right to roam’ across private land to get to public land, unlike in  much of Europe. However, this story is a great reminder for outdoors people: there’s always a way   to reach those mountains. 

Five tips for asking permission to cross private land

→Ask nicely with respect, starting with a phone call or email

→ Ask in advance, not on the day of your trip

→ Explain why and where you want to go, and ask if that’s okay

→Take note of any safety issues from the landholder

→When crossing the land, leave gates as you find them