The Walking Access Act came into force on 30 September 2008 and will enhance and extend walking access to New Zealand’s great outdoors. The legislation followed extensive consultation with groups and individuals, including landowners, conservation groups, local authorities, recreational walkers, hunters, fishers and a range of outdoor associations.

The Walking Access Act 2008 establishes the New Zealand Walking Access Commission, which provides a central point for the coordination of all walking access in New Zealand. Once fully operational, the Commission will provide information on walking access routes, negotiate new walking access across private land (e.g. to lakes, rivers and forests) and facilitate the resolution of disputes relating to walking access.

The Commission is also responsible for walkways, which were formerly under the New Zealand Walkways Act 1990. The day-to-day administration of walkways on conservation land will remain with the Department of Conservation.

A copy of the Walking Access Act is available here.