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Department of Conservation staff are reminding visitors that dogs are not permitted in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park after issuing seven infringement notices in less than two months.
Pets are prohibited in New Zealand’s national parks and on DOC-administered land where dog bans apply — including when animals remain inside vehicles. Breaches can result in a $400 infringement fee.
DOC principal investigations officer Marlous Heijs says staff have detected an increase in dogs being brought into the park during a paid parking pilot at White Horse Hill, where vehicles are being monitored.
“We know this is an issue around the country, but in recent months staff at Aoraki have been speaking with visitors and gathering evidence,” Marlous says.
She says while some owners argue that keeping pets inside vehicles poses no risk, staff have observed animals being let out to exercise or relieve themselves.
A national compliance report released in October 2025 recorded 75 incidents of dogs attacking, killing or harassing wildlife between September 9, 2020 and August 12, 2025.
DOC says the prohibition is in place to protect native species, with dogs posing risks to birds, plants and other wildlife. Officials have also raised animal welfare concerns, noting the length of time visitors spend travelling to and remaining within the park.
The SPCA has separately reminded the public of the dangers of leaving animals in parked vehicles over summer. The organisation says it receives hundreds of calls each year relating to dogs left in hot cars.
On a 21°C day, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can exceed 31°C within 10 minutes and rise above 40°C within 30 minutes, even when parked in the shade with windows partially open, according to the SPCA.
DOC notes that while some roads running through national parks are administered by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and allow through-travel with pets inside vehicles, roads within Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park — including those in Mount Cook Village and the route to White Horse Hill car park — are classified as park roads and fall under national park regulations.
Visitors are advised to check DOC guidance before travelling with pets.
