Welcome to the Walking Access website.

The Walking Access Act came into effect on 30 September 2008 and will enhance and extend walking access to New Zealand’s great outdoors. A copy of the Walking Access Act is available here.

The legislation was introduced after extensive consultation with groups and individuals, including landowners, conservation groups, local authorities recreational walkers, hunters, fishers, and a range of outdoor associations.

The Act establishes the New Zealand Walking Access Commission, which will provide a central point for the coordination of all walking access in New Zealand. Once fully implemented, the Commission will provide information and advice on walking access routes, develop a code of responsible conduct, 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 established under the New Zealand Walkways Act 1990. The day-to-day administration of most existing walkways will remain with the Department of Conservation.

The Minister for Rural Affairs and the Ministry for Agriculture and Forestry have been appointed as the Minister and Department of State responsible for administration of the Walking Access Act.