Pest detection dog teams kept busy in Auckland.

A team of certified conservation dogs and their handlers are busy intercepting small pests at risk of hitching a ride to the Hauraki Gulf's pest free islands.

Find out more here: bit.ly/4az7dze

Non-Great Walk DOC huts, lodges, campsite and cottage bookings are open.

Find out which locations and when they are open to book here: bit.ly/3U7eiB4

*Bookings for Great Walks will open from May, with specific dates to be announced later this month.

Pure Tūroa Limited has been granted a 10-year concession to operate the Tūroa ski-field, ensuring the 2024 ski season will go ahead and giving certainty for the future.

Find out more: bit.ly/3vKuKhy

For the South Island, an atmospheric river will team up with low pressure to produce multiple days of heavy rain.

The band of heaviest rain will meander in response to the approaching low.

For some, rainfall totals may reach 1-2 times the April normal.

Flooding is a concern.

Here (should not) be dragons.

A rogue Australian water dragon has been removed from Papaitonga Scenic Reserve near Levin. We would like to remind everyone not to dump unwanted pets on conservation land.

Read more: bit.ly/4cEhpI8

Record sea lion pup numbers in Dunedin.

Pakake/sea lions in Dunedin have had the best breeding season on record, with more than 30 pups born.

Read more here: bit.ly/43zIZlM

Quad bikers damage Paparoa National Park.

We are seeking help from the public, to identify the person in the below picture, after they drove down the Cave Creek Memorial Track/Kotihotiho.

More information on how to help: bit.ly/3vm5XAe

Along with Kaimanawa Heritage Horses, we are calling for experienced horse owners to rehome some of the more than 200 wild horses from the Waiouru Military Training area during this year’s annual muster.

Find out more here: bit.ly/3VDKtcD

Ulva Island/Te Wharawhara near Stewart Island/Rakiura is rodent free once more.

The pest-free open sanctuary has been the subject of a month-long incursion response after a rat was found dead in a trap in February.

Read more: bit.ly/43wJYTE

Our statement regarding the cancellation of SailGP racing in Lyttelton Harbour yesterday: bit.ly/3PzNk2G

A group of quad bike riders has caused extensive damage to a popular walking track in Arthur’s Pass National Park in Canterbury, crushing sensitive vegetation, trashing boardwalks and leaving a trail of empty alcohol cans in their wake.

More here: bit.ly/3TueBEy

Vito, one of our special Argentine ant detection dogs has averted a potential disaster on Matiu/Somes Island, after finding a large colony of the invasive pest species near building materials destined for the island’s new wharf.

Find out more here: bit.ly/497c35b

Along with our partners we have achieved a breakthrough in endangered species conservation using 3D printed replica eggs to safeguard the nests of the critically endangered fairy tern/tara iti this summer breeding season.

Read more: bit.ly/494Vhnj

Decapitated great white shark highlights concerns at Mahia.

We are appealing for information from the public after a protected great white shark was found decapitated on Mahia beach on Friday 15 March.

Find out more here: bit.ly/3THWGM6

Changes to Great Walk prices and our discount policies.

Prices will increase from 1 July 2024.

Opening dates for booking huts, campsites and Great Walks for 2024/25 will be announced in April.

Read more here: bit.ly/3x1xI1n