NEW ZEALAND ENVIRONMENTAL CARE CODE

Protect Plants and Animals

Treat New Zealands forests and birds with care and respect. They are unique and often rare.
Remove Rubbish - Litter is unaatractive, harmful to wildlife and can increase vermin and disease. Plan your visits to reduce rubbish, and carry out what you carry in.
Bury Toilet Waste - In areas without toilet facilities, bury your toilet waste in a shallow hole well away from waterways, tracks, campsites and huts.
Keep Streams and Lakes Clean -When cleaning and washing, take the water and wash well away from the water source. Because soaps and detergents are harmful to water-life, drain used water into the soil to allow it to be filtered. If you suspect the water may be contaminated, either boil it for at least 3 minutes, or filter it, or chemically treat it.
Take Care With Fires - Portable fuel stoves are less harmful to the environment and are more efficient than fires. if you do use a fire, keep it small, use only dead wood and make sure it is out by dousing it with water and checking the ashes before leaving.
Camp Carefully - When camping, leave no tracce of your visit and do not camp on fragile ground or vegetation.
Keep to the Track - By keeping to the track, where one exists, you lessen the chance of damaging fragile plants.
Consider Others - People visit the back country and rural areas for many reasons. Be considerate of other visitors who also have a right to enjoy the natural environment.
Respect Our Cultural Heritage - Many places in New Zealand have a spiritual and historical significance. Treat these places with consideration and respect.
Enjoy Your Visit - Enjoy your outdoor experience. Take a last look before leaving an area; will the next visitor know you have been there?