Department of Conservation - Far North

26/03/2026

A local state of emergency was declared in Northland for the Whangārei and Far North districts from 2pm, Thursday 26 March, for the next seven days.

While nature takes its course and our teams assess roads and infrastructure to ensure they are safe to use, we ask you to kindly postpone your travel plans. Flooding, slips, and road damage has occurred, and stormy weather is on the horizon this weekend—but together, we’ll give the region the time it needs to recover, and soon you’ll be able to enjoy its beauty again. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

For local updates go to:
➡️ Whangarei District Council - www.wdc.govt.nz/Community/Civil-Defence/Latest-updates
➡️ Far North District Council - www.fndc.govt.nz/Council/Latest-news
➡️ NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Northland - www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions
➡️ MetService New Zealand - www.metservice.com/rural/regions/northland

20/03/2026

18/03/2026

16/03/2026

💧Water back on at Cape Reinga💧

Kia ora, everyone - a quick heads‑up for anyone heading to Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga).

Water pump is now fixed and water is back on at Te Rerenga Wairua.

Ngā mihi for your patience.

15/03/2026

🌊✨ Join Experiencing Marine Reserves - EMR for a Night Snorkel at Maitai Bay! ✨🌊
Here’s your chance to experience the magical world of Maitai Bay at night!

📅 Date: Friday 17th April 2026
⏰ Time: 5pm – 9:00pm
📍 Location: Maitai Bay

Bring your sense of adventure, and explore the unique marine life that reveals itself under the glow of torchlight. This is an unforgettable opportunity to connect with our taiao in a whole new way.

Whether you're a seasoned snorkeller or giving it a go for the first time, we’d love to have you join us.

🤿Snorkel Gear provided
🫶 Fun, safe, and guided
🌙 Ages 12 years +
☕Hot milo after snorkel

Check out the poster for all the details, and share with whānau and friends who’d love an adventure!

05/03/2026

🚧 Notice for Visitors to Maitai Bay Campground🚧
Bottom Camp Water Outage

The Bottom Camp at Maitai Bay is currently out of water due to a burst/damaged waterline.

As a result:
🚫 Flush toilets and the shower block at Bottom Camp are closed until repairs are completed.
🟢 The composting toilet block at Bottom Camp remains open and fully operational, as it uses a separate waterline.
💧 A field tap is available for water collection near the DOC Office/Shed.

The Top Camp has water and is operating as normal.

If you're planning a stay with us, we encourage you to camp at Top Camp until water is restored at Bottom Camp.

For further enquiries, please contact 0800 ASK DOC (0800 275 362).

Ngā mihi for your patience and understanding while we work to resolve this issue.

22/02/2026

It is with deep respect and aroha that we acknowledge the passing of Matua Waitai Petera, a revered kaumātua and statesman whose wisdom, humility, and dedication shaped the hearts and minds of all who knew him. Nominated by Te Rūnanga o Te Aupōuri to represent his iwi on Te Rūnanga Papa Atawhai o Te Hiku o Te Ika, Matua Waitai served as Co-Chair and cultural advisor, guiding the board with his fluent te reo and unwavering commitment to tikanga. Throughout his three years of service from 2021 to 2024, during the drafting of the Te Hiku o Te Ika-a-Maui Conservation Management Strategy he enjoyed sharing his knowledge, stories, and experiences - the significance of Te Oneroa-a-Tōhe and Muriwhenua, drawing on his deep connections to Ngāti Kuri and Te Aupōuri.

His expertise enriched our collective journey and reminded us of the enduring importance of our cultural heritage. Matua Waitai generously imparted his knowledge, inspiring us to uphold the values and traditions that bind us together.

Hoki atu ki tōu maunga kia purea ai e koe ki ngā hau o Tāwhirimātea –Return to your mountain to be cleansed by the winds of Tāwhirimātea.

Moe mai rā e te rangatira, thank you for your remarkable service and for the wisdom you leave with us. Our thoughts go to Whaea Michelle and the whanau at this time.

21/01/2026

https://dxcprod.doc.govt.nz/news/media-releases/2026-media-releases/severe-weather-closes-some-northland-tracks-and-campgrounds/

Several DOC sites across Northland are closed after heavy rain, with more intense downpours, and resulting clean-ups, expected this week.

08/01/2026

Attention Boaties – Rangaunu Harbour 🚤�

Kia tūpato, ata haere – be cautious and take it slow.

Green turtles are regularly seen in Rangaunu Harbour during summer months. These turtles are protected species and when you’re in a boat, they can be hard to spot until it’s too late.

When you’re getting out on the water:�
✅ Reduce speed in the harbour�
✅ Keep a sharp lookout�
✅ Avoid sudden manoeuvres that could harm wildlife

Let’s work together to keep these incredible creatures safe this summer.

📸: Auckland Zoo