Jasons Visitor Care Code

Developed by Jasons in co-operation with the Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai.

This guide was partly based on the Department of Conservation’s Back Country Environmental Care Code. See the Department of Conservations’s website or a D.O.C Visitor Centre for more information.

Jasons reminds you that New Zealand is one of the world's most special countries in which to travel. During your trip, please treat its natural areas, other visitors and local communities with care and respect. We urge all visitors to observe these points:

Arrive with nothing that can harm New Zealand

If you are arriving from overseas or returning home, make sure you strictly observe all bio-security rules and bring no food, animal and plant material or other banned items into the country. If in doubt declare it to Customs.

Protect plants and animals

Treat New Zealand's natural areas and unique wildlife with care and respect. Never allow dogs or other pets to run freely in areas of nesting birds, other wildlife, or where signposts prohibit this. Take time to learn about New Zealand's conservation efforts to protect our native species.

Eliminate rubbish

Litter is unattractive, harmful to the natural environment and can increase vermin and disease. Always properly dispose of your own rubbish and recycle waste (e.g: glass, aluminium, paper) where possible.

Be considerate with other waste

Most communities have public toilet facilities that are clearly marked. If using a motorhome or portable toilet always dispose of your waste in a proper waste station. In the backcountry bury your waste in a shallow hole away from waterways and areas which people use.

Keep New Zealand's water clean

Because soaps, detergents and other wastes can harm waterways, be careful that your washing water and other wastes don't pollute the sea, lakes, rivers or streams.

Take care with fire

In some areas of New Zealand the fire risk, especially in summer, can be high. Always observe District fire bans. Be careful if you smoke, or if you have an outdoor fire or barbecue keep them small and make sure the ashes are completely cold before you leave the area.

Camp or picnic carefully

When camping or picnicking, use facilities where provided.

Keep to the track

By keeping to the track, where one exists, you lessen the chance of damaging fragile plants or causing erosion.

Be considerate

Be considerate of other visitors and locals on your travel in New Zealand. This includes driving safely and courteously, minimising noise, controlling your pets and observing ‘No Smoking’ signs. Also remember many places in New Zealand have a spiritual and historical significance.

Enjoy your visit

Enjoy your New Zealand travel. Take a last look before leaving an area; will the next visitor know that you have been there? Protect the environment - this will ensure on your next visit, or the visit of your children or grandchildren, the same special experiences can be enjoyed.

Copyright 2001. Jasons Travel Media Ltd.