Being able to see and visit many outdoor places remains out of reach for people with limited mobility, and one in four New Zealanders is classified as having a disability.

Disabled Persons Assembly National President Joanne Dacombe said, “Making tracks accessible will provide an opportunity for more disabled New Zealanders and their whānau to enjoy the great outdoors in the same way non-disabled people can.”

There are more than 50 easy-access short walks throughout the country that are suitable for people in wheelchairs, but despite a wheelchair access trial completed in 2016 on the Abel Tasman Coast Track, DOC currently has no plans to incorporate wheelchair access on any longer walks, such as the Great Walks network.

DOC heritage and visitors director Cat Wilson said DOC considers where disability access and accessibility could be improved during any significant new investment or upgrade. Service standards are being developed for the provision of mobility parks and fully accessible toilets at car parks. DOC manages 700 car parks and 500 amenity areas.

However, as Dacombe says, “Increasing accessibility to the natural environment is about much more than just making a track wheelchair accessible; for example, online information about accessing the natural environment and transport options also need to be free of barriers.”