The Department of Conservation is spending $15,000 on advertising, calling for people to donate to its projects.
DOC director of strategic partnerships and investment David Van Der Zouwe said getting more external investment was a priority for the department.
“We put out a prospectus about September last year, and we haven’t got the uptake we wanted. We’ve had about $10,000 in support.” He said they were targeting businesses and philanthropists.
“Through the donations, we’ve launched the Island Ocean Connection Challenge, which is working with international philanthropists for some of our offshore islands – Auckland Island, Rakiura, Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands.
“We’re trying something new to bring in more money; we’ve targeted people we know are capable of donating.” He said the department would assess the results of its marketing efforts at the end of the month. Read the full story and listen to the Morning Report segment from RNZ.
Kathmandu attempting to set record for world’s biggest hike
Kathmandu is celebrating its launch to the Canadian market with a hike at the Cypress Mountain resort outside of Vancouver on Aug. 30, aiming to beat the Guinness World Record for the “most people hiking simultaneously.”
The company has the goal of attracting up to 2000 people to take on the free challenge. The 4km hike will start from Cypress Mountain’s base and go to the top of the Sky Chair.
But it’s not all about setting a new record, as Kathmandu is also raising funds for organisations like North Shore Rescue, BC Parks Foundation and Take a Hike Foundation.
“Our goal with Kathmandu World’s Biggest Hike is to encourage people to get outside to experience the physical and mental benefits that the outdoors provides, while raising money for local organisations that make a difference,” said Nick Russell, general manager for KMD Brands Canada.
“This event is not only about setting a world record, but also inspiring people to connect with nature in a sustainable and meaningful way.” Read the full story from North Shore News.
Book discounted Tongariro huts over summer
Visitors can now book Waihohonu and Mangatepopo huts for overnight trips while Oturere Hut is rebuilt.
Because the full Tongariro Northern Circuit cannot be walked while Oturere Hut is being rebuilt, hut fees have been reduced. Adults are $25 per night (usually $44), children $12.50, and infants free.
The Tongariro Northern Circuit Great Walk remains closed while DOC works with Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro to replace the 50-year-old Oturere Hut.
Bookings for Mangatepopo and Waihohonu huts are open for stays between October 24, 2025 and April 30, 2026. Read the full story from Wilderness.
Litter of puppies dumped in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki
A Department of Conservation investigation is underway after a litter of seven puppies was found dumped in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki. The puppies, estimated to be about six weeks old, were discovered by a member of the public in the national park on August 10.
DOC ranger Cameron Hunt said — aside from the disregard for the puppies’ welfare — releasing pets or other animals onto conservation land was an offence under the Conservation Act and the National Parks Act.
The puppies — thought to be a collie-working dog crossbreed — were handed over to the SPCA, where they were vet-checked, vaccinated, and treated for worms. They were found in good condition but would not have survived the night in the freezing, snowy conditions.
Cameron said, “Dogs, in particular, pose a serious threat to kiwi and whio, both of which are found in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki.”
He urged anyone who knew about the dumping of the puppies to contact 0800 DOC HOT and quote CLE-Works number CLE-9642. Any information passed on will be treated confidentially. Read the full story from One News.
DOC to remove all birds except takahē from Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
Bird numbers and operating hours are to be reduced at Te Anau’s popular Bird Sanctuary. In a statement, DOC said the sanctuary would continue to care for the six takahē, with tours available on weekdays. Other birds, including four pāteke/brown teal, two kōwhiowhio/blue duck, and four Antipodes Island kakariki, would be moving to new homes in the coming months.
The move was part of a shift towards a more flexible and sustainable operating model, as DOC redirected resources to higher-priority conservation work, the statement said. The sanctuary’s future has been up in the air since February, after its DOC managers announced they were withdrawing management of the facility.
DOC Operations Manager for Te Anau, John Lucus, said the decision has not been made lightly, but DOC needed to prioritise resources where they could be most effective. “Reduced hours and fewer birds will help us care for the site and its taonga species in a sustainable way, and ensure Te Anau Bird Sanctuary remains open to the public.” Read the full story from Southland App.
New Zealand tops global list in adventure tourism for young travellers
New Zealand has been named the top adventure destination for young travellers in a global study, beating 69 other countries with its array of accessible extreme sports backed by a solid safety record.
Conducted by Ohio-based student travel company Rustic Pathways, it compared 33 relevant metrics from 70 popular countries to derive a score out of 100 indicating each destination’s appeal to junior adrenaline junkies.
As the only country in the study to score 70 points, Aotearoa stood out for its abundance of scenic treks (34.56 per 100,000 visitors), water and land-based adventure sports, and commitment to safety.
Intrepid Travel’s NZ general manager Simon McKearney said bookings from Australian and Kiwi customers were up more than 80% year-on-year.
Backpacker Youth Adventure Tourism Association board chairman Haydn Marriner said New Zealand’s unique mix of extreme sports, hiking, water activities and wildlife experiences makes it “the perfect environment for young visitors”.
Read the full story from NZ Herald and take a look at the 10 best adventure destinations for travellers aged 18-22:
34 years of inspiring New Zealanders to explore the outdoors. Don’t miss out — subscribe today.
Questions? Contact us
