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New Zealanders are gearing up for another summer of naturing, according to a newly released Department of Conservation report.
Coastal destinations and short walks — offering easy access to nature — remain favourites for Kiwis making the most of warmer weather.
DOC director heritage and visitors Cat Wilson says the report shows how people are using public conservation land and waterways as places to reset after a tough economic year.
Short walks continue to dominate visitor activity across the motu, while many of the top 10 summer destinations are coastal, reflecting how strongly New Zealanders gravitate towards the water during the holiday period.
“Summer naturing doesn’t need to be complicated. A short walk, a swim, or time at a favourite beach or camp is still how most New Zealanders choose to relax and recharge,” Cat says.
“The data confirms what many of us already know — people want simple, affordable ways to be in nature, especially after a challenging year.”
Great Walks remain an important part of how people experience nature. During the 2024/25 season, Great Walks recorded 154,000 bednights and a 78 per cent occupancy rate, up 10 per cent on last year.
International visitors made up around 40 per cent of bookings as global travel strengthened, while domestic walkers accounted for close to 60 per cent.
International visitation rebounded to 3.38 million arrivals for the year ended June 2025, up 162,000 on the previous year and now more than 90 per cent of pre-COVID levels.
Beaches and national parks remain central to international itineraries, with 57 per cent visiting a beach, 52 per cent visiting a national park, and 72 per cent heading out for a walk, most opting for short outings of less than three hours.
Fiordland, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Tongariro and Abel Tasman national parks continue to be major drawcards. Even with slightly shorter stays, international travellers are packing their itineraries with nature experiences, meaning busy national parks will see high visitor numbers over summer.
With peak season approaching, Cat encourages visitors to think about transport choices as well as destinations.
“At places like Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mount Cook and Franz Josef, taking a shuttle instead of driving can make a real difference,” she says. “It reduces congestion, eases pressure on car parks and roads, and allows people to relax and enjoy the scenery.”
She also encourages visitors to arrive prepared when heading into the backcountry or national parks.
“Summer weather can be unpredictable — hot and dry one day, heavy rain the next. Warm layers, sun protection and enough water make all the difference.”
Domestic visitation softened slightly over the past year, linked to storm events, slips, road closures and cost-of-living pressures. However, Cat says New Zealanders are still getting outside, just in different ways.
Many popular huts recorded year-on-year growth, with domestic visitors often making up 60–80 per cent of bookings. The Pinnacles Hut was the most popular, with more than 18,000 bednights, up 13 per cent on last year. Uretiti Beach Campsite (52,000 bednights) and Totaranui Campground (71,000 bednights) were the most-used campsites.
With more people spending time along the coast, DOC is reminding visitors to give wildlife space, particularly seals, penguins and seabirds.
“Summer naturing is for everyone, including the wildlife that calls these places home. Please keep dogs under control, slow down around marine mammals, and enjoy watching from a respectful distance.”
