What Is Leave No Trace Camping? 7 Principles And Practices

From the snow-capped ridges of the Southern Alps to the sand dunes of Ninety Mile Beach, more New Zealanders are packing their tents and boots each year to explore our wild backcountry. Yet the very places we cherish can suffer under increased foot traffic and campfires. Leave No Trace camping equips you with simple guidelines to minimise your footprint and protect these environments.

Simply put, Leave No Trace camping is a framework of low-impact ethics and practices—from choosing durable campsites and managing waste responsibly to respecting wildlife and cultural heritage—that help safeguard native flora, waterways and heritage sites. Embracing these habits doesn’t just benefit the land; it also makes your trip run more smoothly, reduces risks and enhances your appreciation of the outdoors.

In this guide, you’ll uncover the seven core principles of Leave No Trace, paired with practical tips that align with New Zealand’s conservation rules. You’ll learn how each principle serves both the environment and your own wellbeing, ensuring every adventure leaves only footprints—and memories that last a lifetime. First, we’ll define what Leave No Trace camping involves and trace how these ethics took shape.

Understanding Leave No Trace Camping: Definition, Origins, and Scope

Leave No Trace camping refers to a set of simple yet powerful ethics and techniques designed to minimise our impact on the natural world. At its heart, it’s about making choices—before, during and after a trip—that protect soil, water, flora, fauna and cultural sites. Whether you’re pitching a tent by a remote river or parking your camper in a DOC campsite, these practices ensure the landscapes you love remain unspoilt for everyone.

The Leave No Trace ethos grew from early efforts to manage increasing visitor numbers in U.S. wilderness areas and has since become a global standard. Today, these principles are woven into environmental education programmes, outdoor recreation guidelines and conservation management in countries from Canada to New Zealand. In Aotearoa, regional park boards and the Department of Conservation reference Leave No Trace when setting rules for huts, tracks and fire seasons, tailoring the framework to our unique ecosystems—from alpine tussock to coastal pōhutukawa groves.

Origins and Evolution of Leave No Trace Ethics

The Leave No Trace movement began in the mid-1980s when the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management recognised that growing backcountry use was degrading fragile habitats. By collaborating on research and public-education campaigns, they distilled best practices into a coherent set of guidelines. In 1994, the nonprofit Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics formed to promote these ideas nationwide.

International adoption followed quickly, with Canadian, European and Australasian outdoor organisations adapting the principles to local conditions. In New Zealand, community groups such as Leave No Trace New Zealand and Te Papa Atawhai (the Department of Conservation) now run workshops and distribute resources to help trampers, kayakers and campers apply low-impact practices in our national parks and marine reserves.

Core Components of Low-Impact Camping

The Leave No Trace framework comprises seven core principles, each addressing a key area of environmental impact:

• Plan Ahead and Prepare: do thorough research on regulations, weather and group size to avoid problems in the field.
• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: stick to established trails and campsites or choose rock, gravel and dry grass to protect fragile soils.
• Dispose of Waste Properly: carry out all trash, food scraps and hygiene products; dig catholes for human waste at least 60 m from water.
• Leave What You Find: preserve natural objects, plants and cultural artefacts exactly as you encounter them.
• Minimise Campfire Impacts: use lightweight stoves and lanterns, or confine fires to existing rings with only dead-and-down wood.
• Respect Wildlife: observe animals from a distance, never feed them and secure food to avoid habituation.
• Be Considerate of Other Visitors: keep noise low, yield on trails and leave sites ready for the next group.

For a broader overview of these ideas, see Wikipedia: Leave No Trace.

Why Low-Impact Camping Matters: Environmental and Social Benefits

Preserving our wild places goes beyond just following a set of rules; it ensures that New Zealand’s unique ecosystems, cultural heritage and recreational values remain intact for both present visitors and future generations. Low-impact camping reduces the physical scars left on tracks and campsites, keeps waterways pure, and maintains habitat for native species. At the same time, it fosters an atmosphere where everyone can experience the tranquillity and beauty of nature, without the distractions of overcrowding or noise. Finally, it honours the lands’ cultural significance—especially sites treasured by Māori—by safeguarding wāhi tapu and other heritage areas from damage or desecration.

Reducing Environmental Degradation

When campers veer off established trails or set up tents on fragile vegetation, soil compaction and erosion can follow. On steep alpine faces or coastal dunes, even small disturbances may take decades to heal. Left unchecked, these impacts can:

• Strip away topsoil and plant cover, increasing runoff and sediment in rivers.
• Introduce pollutants—such as detergents, micro-plastics and food scraps—that harm freshwater ecosystems.
• Fragment habitats, disrupting breeding grounds for kiwi, kōura (freshwater crayfish) and other endemic species.

By concentrating foot traffic on durable surfaces and disposing of waste properly, low-impact campers help maintain soil structure, keep waterways clear and protect the integrity of native flora and fauna.

Enhancing the Outdoor Experience for All

A quiet forest track, an unspoilt shoreline or a dimly lit campsite free of litter sets the stage for genuine connection with nature. Low-impact camping practises benefit fellow visitors by:

• Preserving the scenic character of iconic routes like the Milford Track or Abel Tasman Coast Track.
• Minimising noise—from loud conversation to radio static—so that bird song and the rush of a mountain stream take centre stage.
• Reducing crowding at popular campsites by encouraging dispersion and shorter stays, which spreads use across a wider area.

When everyone adopts the same considerate approach, trails remain passable, huts and platforms require less repair, and the overall experience feels more remote—even when you’re sharing the space with others.

Cultural and Ethical Considerations

New Zealand’s landscapes carry deep meaning for Māori communities, with many areas recognised as wāhi tapu (sacred places) or wāhi tūpuna (ancestral sites). Low-impact camping shows respect for this cultural heritage by:

• Avoiding campsites or fires near known archaeological sites, carvings, urupā (burial grounds) and mahinga kai (traditional food gathering areas).
• Refraining from removing or disturbing artefacts—such as midden shells, tools or carvings—that hold historical and spiritual significance.
• Following local tikanga (customs) and any special restrictions outlined by iwi or the Department of Conservation.

This ethical stance not only protects physical sites but also acknowledges the enduring kaitiakitanga (guardianship) role held by Māori, reinforcing partnerships in conservation and land stewardship.

Principle 1: Plan Ahead and Prepare

Good planning is the backbone of any low-impact camping trip. A well-organised itinerary reduces stress on both you and the environment—fewer on-the-fly decisions means less chance of straying off track, leaving waste behind or lighting an unauthorised fire. Under Principle 1, you’ll research local rules and weather, pack in ways that cut waste, and gear up for emergencies so your trip runs smoothly from the trailhead to the final campfire.

Research Regulations and Weather Conditions

Before you set off, check the Department of Conservation (DOC) website for track closures, fire bans and permit requirements. Fire restrictions can change at short notice, especially in summer. Tide tables, river-crossing alerts and DOC hut bookings also help you avoid scrambling for alternate campsites or unplanned detours.

Planning for weather means more than glancing at the forecast on your phone. Study long-range predictions, then prepare for sudden shifts—alpine conditions can turn on a sixpence. Build slack into your schedule for bad weather days or delays, and leave a detailed trip plan with a friend or family member, including:

• route and daily distances
• planned campsites or huts
• estimated return time
• emergency contact points

Packing Smart to Reduce Waste

Waste-minimisation starts at home. Repackage bulk items—like oats, dried fruit and nuts—into durable, resealable containers. Pre-portion meals so you take only what you need, and choose snacks with minimal or compostable packaging. Use cloth produce bags, silicone food pouches and reusable coffee filters rather than disposable wraps or plastic bags.

Small habits add up quickly: bring a lightweight rubbish bag to stash micro-litter (twist ties, fruit stickers) and always carry out everything you carried in. If you need fresh water, pack a filter or chemical treatment rather than relying on single-use plastic bottles.

Emergency Preparedness and Safety

No matter how well you’ve planned, the backcountry can surprise you. Equip yourself with reliable navigation tools—a topographic map and compass are essential, even if you carry a GPS or phone app. A basic first-aid kit should include blister plasters, antiseptic wipes, bandages, a triangular sling and any personal medications.

Consider carrying a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger if you’re heading into remote country. Pack extra warm clothing, a waterproof shell and enough food and water for at least one extra day. Before leaving, familiarise yourself with basic rescue signals and practise using your emergency gear. When everyone in your party knows the plan and the kit is organised, you’ll spend less time worrying and more time savouring each moment under the stars.

Principle 2: Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

One of the quickest ways to scar a campsite is to pitch your tent on soft moss or trample fragile alpine grasses—surfaces that can take years to recover. By confining your footsteps and gear to durable ground, you protect soil structure, root systems and the overall health of the ecosystem.

Durable surfaces are those that withstand repeated use without significant damage. Common examples include established trails and campsites, bare rock, gravel bars, dry grasses and snow. When you focus activity on these areas, you help prevent soil compaction, erosion and the formation of braided trails that slice through vegetation.

Identifying and Using Established Trails and Campsites

Established tracks and designated campsites exist for a reason: they concentrate human impact and protect surrounding habitat. Before setting off, study your topographic map or DOC track notes to pinpoint official campsites. On the ground, look for worn patches—flattened tussock, compacted earth or a ring of stones indicating a fire circle.

• Stick to the centre of formed trails, even if the edges look muddy or uneven.
• Camp on platforms, cleared clearings or gravel flats rather than carving out your own site.
• Avoid shortcuts: every step you take across untracked ground widens the path for the next group.

If you can’t find an obvious campsite, move on. A little extra walking now saves years of recovery later.

Managing Footprint in Pristine Areas

In seldom-visited backcountry, the goal shifts from concentrating use to dispersing it. Spreading your group’s tents, cooking areas and foot traffic across a broader area prevents any single spot from becoming over-worn.

• Rotate where you pitch each night—don’t camp in the same hollow twice.
• Space tents several metres apart so no single patch of ground bears the brunt of continuous use.
• Scatter cooking and gathering zones rather than clustering around one stove.

Keep group sizes small when possible. If you’re in a party of eight, consider splitting into two smaller groups for both trail travel and campsites. Not only will you leave less of a mark, but you’ll also enjoy quieter, more intimate encounters with the landscape.

Maintaining Distance from Sensitive Areas

Riparian zones—those lush banks beside streams and lakes—are hotspots for wildlife and plant growth. Camping too close can compress roots, trample seedlings and introduce sediments that cloud water. To safeguard these areas, observe the “200-foot rule”: keep all camps, cooking spots and latrines at least 60 metres (≈ 200 feet) from any water source.

• Treat the buffer as a sacred boundary: no tent pegs, no dishwashing, no hand-washing.
• When refilling water bottles or filtering, move well away and scatter strained grey water over a wide area.
• Look for level ground beyond that zone—often a flat bluff, terrace or scrub-free gravel bar.

By giving streams and lakes room to breathe, you preserve vital habitat for fish, eels, ducks and the plants that cling to the shoreline. It’s a small extra step that pays big dividends for New Zealand’s waterways.

Principle 3: Dispose of Waste Properly

Nothing undermines a pristine campsite faster than stray rubbish, dishwater overflow or poorly buried human waste. Principle 3 covers everything from food scraps to grey water, ensuring that nothing you bring into the bush stays behind. By packing out what you pack in and treating waste thoughtfully, you keep tracks and campsites clean, protect wildlife from harmful scraps, and prevent water pollution that can ripple through an entire ecosystem.

Pack In, Pack Out: Managing Litter and Food Scraps

Every wrapper, twist-tie and apple core belongs in your pack until you reach a proper bin. Use durable, sealable bags—or lightweight stuff sacks—to collect rubbish as you go. Before breaking camp, do a sweep of the site and surrounding area for micro-litter: fruit stickers, cling-film fragments, cereal bag corners. Even biodegradable food waste can attract pests and alter natural diets, so always carry out all scraps. A simple checklist will help:

• Stash all wrappers, peelings and leftovers in a dedicated “rubbish” bag.
• Tie or roll the bag securely each evening to keep smells contained.
• On return, separate recyclables and general waste at home.

Sanitation: Human Waste Practices

Handling human waste correctly is vital for water quality and public health. When there’s no toilet block, dig a cathole 15–20 cm (6–8 in) deep at least 60 m (≈200 ft) from water, tracks and campsites. After use:

1. Cover the hole with the same soil and leaf litter you removed.
2. Pack out any used toilet paper or hygiene items in a sealed bag—never bury them.
3. Mark the spot discreetly in your memory or on a GPS to avoid future disturbance.

If you’re in a high-use area where catholes aren’t allowed, consider carrying a portable waste bag system and transfer waste to a proper disposal point.

Grey Water and Dishwashing Disposal

Soapy water from washing a pot can contain food particles and chemicals that harm aquatic life. To disperse grey water safely:

• Carry water at least 60 m from any stream or lake before washing.
• Use a biodegradable soap sparingly—preferably one labelled for backcountry use.
• Strain out solids (crumbs, washings) and pack them out with your rubbish.
• Scatter the remaining water thinly over a wide area on durable ground (rock, gravel or dry grass).

These simple steps prevent nutrient overload in waterways and keep shorelines free of scum and stains.

By minding every piece of waste—solid, liquid or organic—you help maintain the wild character of Aotearoa’s backcountry. With all rubbish bagged, human waste buried responsibly and grey water scattered, you can leave a campsite as fresh as when you arrived.

Principle 4: Leave What You Find

When you wander through the bush or along the coast, every rock, shell and fern plays its part in a delicate ecosystem. Taking even a small souvenir—be it a pōhutukawa blossom, a chunk of moss or a strand of kōwhai seed pods—can disrupt habitats and diminish the experience for the next visitor. Under Principle 4, you preserve the wild character of each place by leaving plants, rocks, driftwood and cultural artefacts exactly where you found them.

By resisting the urge to collect natural “treasures”, you help maintain soil stability, ensure plants can regenerate and allow wildlife to continue using key microhabitats. This approach goes hand in hand with respecting historical and cultural features: photographing carvings, middens or old huts is fine, but touching or removing elements can cause irreversible damage.

Protecting Natural Objects and Artefacts

Take only photographs and leave only footprints. When you come across interesting stones, seed pods, sea shells or bird feathers, resist picking them up. Even seemingly insignificant actions—like moving a handful of pebbles to clear a tent site—can destroy insect burrows, disturb lichen growth and prevent plants from taking root.

• Observe bright fungi or mosses, then step carefully around their colonies rather than forging a new path.
• Enjoy tide pools and rock platforms, but don’t pry off starfish, sea anemones or shells.
• If you stumble upon rare plants or fragile cushion bogs, pause to admire without entering the patch or brushing against the vegetation.

By leaving natural features undisturbed, you ensure the next hiker or school group encounters the same wonder you did.

Avoiding Introduction of Non-Native Species

Foreign seeds, spores and aquatic pests hitchhike on boots, vehicle tyres and watercraft, threatening New Zealand’s native biodiversity. To prevent invasive species from spreading:

1. Clean footwear, gaiters and pack straps after each trip, brushing off mud and organic matter.
2. Wash down kayaks, dinghies or trailer-mounted boats at designated cleaning stations and let them dry thoroughly before next use.
3. Inspect fishing gear, lines and nets for plant fragments or freshwater snails, then rinse with hot or chlorinated water if allowed.

These simple steps protect fragile ecosystems and help keep Aotearoa free from weeds and unwanted critters.

Respecting Historical and Cultural Sites

Our landscapes are rich with wāhi tapu (sacred places) and wāhi tūpuna (ancestral sites) that carry deep significance for Māori and local communities. Disturbing terraces, carvings, shell middens or old tool deposits can erase vital links to the past.

• When you encounter a heritage feature, take care not to walk on, touch or lean against it—many pōhā and midden fragments crumble at the slightest pressure.
• Refrain from removing artefacts or building cairns; these may mark burial grounds or traditional pathways.
• Follow any signage or DOC instructions that outline special restrictions, and always leave gates, fences and signage as you find them.

By photographing respectfully and observing from a distance, you honour both the physical site and its cultural guardians, ensuring those stories endure for generations to come.

Principle 5: Minimise Campfire Impacts

Campfires have long been a camping tradition: the crackle of wood, the glow of embers and sharing stories under the stars. Yet in fragile environments—even a small ring of scorched earth or a handful of gathered twigs—can disrupt soil microbes, damage tree roots and leave permanent scars on lichen-covered rock. Minimising campfire impacts protects these delicate systems and keeps campsites looking wild rather than charred.

Choosing modern alternatives and practising disciplined fire use lets you enjoy warmth and light without harming the landscape. Lightweight stoves boil water quickly and burn cleaner than wood, while candle lanterns or LEDs cast enough glow for cooking, reading or a late-night card game. When a fire is essential, confine it strictly to existing rings, use only dead-and-down wood that you can break by hand, and follow thorough extinguishment steps to ensure no ember survives.

Alternatives to Campfires: Stoves and Lanterns

Gas or liquid-fuel backpacking stoves deliver consistent heat with minimal fuel. A small canister of gas can last several trips, whereas gathering firewood can strip understorey habitat of nesting material and nutrients. For ambient light, opt for candle-fuel lanterns or rechargeable LED lamps. They’re lightweight, packable and far less likely to spook nocturnal wildlife or send out drifting sparks.

Beyond cooking and illumination, stoves and lanterns remove the temptation to forage for wood in sensitive zones. In coastal scrub or alpine tussock, fallen timber is scarce and slow to regenerate. A compact stove-and-fuel setup means you never need to chip away at ancient logs or trample moss-beds in search of kindling.

Safe Fire Practices in Designated Fire Rings

When you must have a wood fire—often for cultural reasons or group tradition—stick to pre-existing fire rings, pits or iron grates at DOC campsites. These structures are designed to contain heat and ash, preventing run-off into adjacent soil and waterways. Never carve new fire circles or clear fresh rock platforms.

Gather only dead-and-down branches no thicker than your wrist—wood you can snap with two hands. This ensures you’re not stripping standing trees or destabilising logs that wildlife rely on for shelter. Keep the fire small and controlled: a modest flame heats a pot just as effectively as a roaring blaze, and it produces less smoke and fewer embers.

Complete Extinguishment and Ash Disposal

A fire’s impact isn’t over once the flames die down. To leave no trace:

1. Burn all wood to fine white ash.
2. Douse the ashes thoroughly with water—pour until hissing stops.
3. Stir the damp ashes with a stick or trowel to expose any hot spots.
4. Repeat dousing and stirring until the entire pit is cold to the touch.
5. Scatter the cooled ashes over a wide area on durable ground (rock, gravel or hard-packed soil).

Never bury or hide coals: residual heat can smoulder for days, posing a wildfire risk and attracting curious wildlife to unsafe areas. By ensuring every ember is extinguished and dispersing the ash, you restore the site’s natural appearance and eliminate hazards before you strike camp.

Principle 6: Respect Wildlife

Encountering New Zealand’s endemic wildlife—whether it’s the melodic call of a tui at dawn or the elusive footprints of a kiwi—is one of the highlights of any trip. Under Principle 6, your aim is to observe animals without altering their natural behaviour or habitat. By keeping interactions minimal and respectful, you help preserve each species’ wellbeing and the integrity of the ecosystems they inhabit.

When we get too close, wildlife can become stressed, abandon nests or alter feeding patterns. Even well-meaning gestures like feeding or calling to an animal can have long-term impacts on its health and survival. To ensure every encounter is safe—for both you and the creature—you’ll rely on good observation techniques, strict no-feeding rules and rock-solid food storage practices.

Maintaining Safe Distance and Observation Etiquette

Observing animals at a respectful distance reduces stress and keeps natural routines intact. A useful rule of thumb is to stay at least 20 metres from most birds and small mammals, and 50 metres from seals, sea lions or large flightless birds like weka. In sensitive breeding areas—such as penguin rookeries or seabird nesting cliffs—extend that buffer even further.

• Use binoculars or a zoom lens on your camera to bring wildlife closer without approaching them.
• Move slowly and quietly; sudden movements or loud noises can startle animals and cause them to flee.
• If you notice an animal changing its behaviour—stretching its neck to look at you, calling repeatedly or retreating—back away immediately to avoid further disturbance.

By mastering these simple etiquette guidelines, you’ll enjoy more natural behaviour (and better photographs!) while minimising your impact on New Zealand’s remarkable fauna.

Avoiding Wildlife Feeding and Behavioural Disturbance

Hand-feeding birds or mammals, even with the best intentions, can harm more than you realise. Human food often lacks the nutrients wildlife need, leading to malnutrition, digestive issues and dependence on unnatural food sources. Animals that scavenge around campsites are also more likely to be injured by vehicles or aggressive encounters with other animals.

• Never offer food, scraps or crumbs—this includes bread, cereal, fruit peelings or meat bits.
• Dispose of any accidental spills promptly and pack out every scrap in sealed bags.
• Resist calls from curious birds; do not whistle or imitate their calls, which can lure them into dangerous situations.

Adhering to a strict no-feeding policy helps wildlife retain their natural foraging habits and keeps wild spaces truly wild.

Secure Food Storage and Pest Management

Properly storing your provisions protects both wildlife and your trip. Rats, stoats and possums are already a major threat to native species; once they gain access to food at campsites, they’re more likely to leave bait traps or predator-control areas, undermining conservation efforts.

• Use predator-proof containers or sealable food sacks to store all edibles and rubbish.
• In areas without lockable huts or lockers, suspend bags at least 2 metres off the ground and 1.5 metres from any supporting tree trunk or branch.
• Never leave food unattended—even a momentary lapse can invite a hungry kea or rodent to investigate.

By keeping your gear animal-proof, you help shield New Zealand’s wildlife from harmful interactions and support ongoing pest-control measures that benefit entire ecosystems.

Principle 7: Be Considerate of Other Visitors

The outdoors is a shared playground, and a little courtesy goes a long way in keeping it welcoming. By thinking beyond your own group—whether you’re on a bustling day-walk or settling into a hut for the night—you help maintain positive relationships between everyone who ventures into the bush. Simple acts of respect not only improve fellow trampers’ experiences but also reduce conflict over limited space and facilities in our national parks and reserves.

Noise Management and Trail Courtesy

Natural sounds—birdsong, wind in the beech canopy or the rush of a mountain stream—are part of what makes a tramping trip special. Loud conversation, music or phone calls can shatter that ambience. Keep voices low and set devices to silent or vibrate. If you do need to take a call, step off the track and away from other walkers before you chat.

On multi-use trails, yield according to the established rules: uphill travellers have the right of way on narrow tracks, and runners or cyclists should announce themselves politely as they pass. A friendly “on your left” or a brief pause at a wider section prevents surprises and keeps everyone moving safely.

Sharing Campsites and Facilities

Space at popular campsites and huts can be limited, especially during peak season. Respect any site reservations or booking systems, and avoid creeping beyond your allocated area with extra tarps or gear. When you arrive, scout for vacant spots before spreading out, and leave a buffer so your neighbours have room to pitch their tents or prepare meals.

Cleanliness is another key courtesy. Sweep platforms of stray bits of gear, wipe down table surfaces in huts, and pack out any litter—yours or someone else’s that might have been left behind. If you use communal items like firewood racks or water tanks, return tools neatly and refill containers if you’ve used the last of the supply.

Managing Pets and Group Behaviour

Pets can be great companions, but not everyone is comfortable around dogs or horses on the track. Keep all animals on a leash and under control, particularly in areas where native birds are nesting. Always carry waste bags for dog droppings and dispose of them in a rubbish bin back in civilisation.

Large groups can unintentionally overwhelm a campsite or block narrow tracks. If your party exceeds eight people, consider splitting into smaller sub-groups and staggering departure times. This reduces congestion at pinch points—like swing bridges and DOC hut doorways—and gives others a chance to enjoy the trail without feeling like they’re in a parade.

By adopting these simple etiquettes—speaking softly, yielding gracefully, sharing space and keeping pets in check—you’ll be doing your bit to make the bush a better place for everyone who follows in your footsteps.

Local Regulations for Campfires in New Zealand Conservation Lands

While Leave No Trace principles guide best practice, it’s essential to align your trip with New Zealand’s legal requirements for fires on conservation land. The Department of Conservation (DOC) enforces seasonal restrictions, designated fire sites and equipment rules to protect forest, scrub and wildlife habitats. Before you even pack your firewood, acquaint yourself with local rules so you can enjoy warmth and ambience without risking hefty fines or ecological harm.

Restricted and Prohibited Fire Seasons

Across Aotearoa, fire danger increases as spring advances into summer. Under the Forest and Rural Fires Act, regional rural fire authorities declare two distinct periods:

• Restricted Season: Open fires are still permitted, but only under strict conditions. You may need a permit or be limited to specified fireplaces and times. Restrictions often include bans on burning driftwood at beaches or lighting turf clods in tussock country.
• Prohibited Season: All ground – and sometimes even contained – fires are outlawed. No campfires, no fire pans, no fireworks. In this phase, any unauthorised flame carries on-the-spot fines, and serious breaches can result in prosecution.

These dates differ by region, with some eastern districts moving into prohibited status as early as October, while high-rainfall areas might not enter restriction until December. Always check the status for your intended area before you go.

Permitted Fire Types and Conditions

Where campfires are allowed, DOC usually specifies permitted locations and equipment:

• Designated Fire Rings and Pits: Many DOC campsites include cleared fire circles or cast-iron fireplaces. You must confine any wood fire to these installations and never enlarge or create a new ring.
• Size Limits: Keep flames modest—typically no more than 30 cm high. A small, well-contained fire not only minimises soil scorch and smoke but also reduces the risk of sparks igniting dry vegetation.
• Approved Fuel: Use only dead-and-down wood you can break by hand. In some coastal or alpine reserves, driftwood and scarce forest litter are off-limits. In high-use or endangered habitats, fires may be restricted to gas burners only.

DOC huts often prohibit open fires entirely. If you plan to stay in a hut, assume you’ll need to bring your own stove and fuel.

Practical Tips: Checking Fire Bans and Using Gas Stoves

To stay on the right side of the law and Leave No Trace ideals:

1. Visit the DOC fires page: https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/know-before-you-go/fires/ for current restrictions, permit requirements and regional contact details.
2. Ring the local DOC visitor centre or rural fire authority if you’re unsure. They can confirm whether a restricted or prohibited season applies, and what permits (if any) you need.
3. Pack a reliable gas or liquid-fuel stove as your primary cooking and heating source. These devices are permitted even during total fire bans, light quickly, burn cleanly and eliminate the hassle of gathering wood.
4. Carry extra fuel canisters: an unexpected cascade of wet wood or a sudden change in weather can leave you cold if your stove runs dry.

By checking fire bans and opting for portable stoves, you’ll reduce environmental risk, simplify your kit and ensure every campfire you light is both safe and compliant.

Safeguarding Soil Health at Campsites

Soil is the very foundation of the ecosystems we explore, yet it’s also the most vulnerable to the weight of boots, tents and camp chairs. When compacted or eroded, soil loses its ability to absorb rain, support plant life and filter water. By paying attention to soil health, campers play a key role in preserving the vibrant understorey and waterways they travel through.

Understanding Soil Compaction and Its Effects

Soil compaction occurs when weight presses air out of the ground’s pore spaces, reducing oxygen for roots and microorganisms. Heavy footfall or tent footprints can compress layers down to the subsoil in a single night. Compacted ground:

• Restricts water infiltration, leading to increased runoff and erosion.
• Impedes root growth and seed germination, stalling plant recovery.
• Diminishes habitat for beneficial soil organisms, from earthworms to mycorrhizal fungi.

This chain of impacts can alter drainage patterns, starve vegetation of nutrients and ultimately change the appearance and function of a campsite for years.

Best Practices to Reduce Soil Disturbance

Minimising your footprint helps keep campsites healthy. Simple strategies include:

• Rotate tent platforms and cooking areas each night to spread any pressure and avoid creating a single, over-worn spot.
• Use lightweight camp furniture—compact chairs, tables and sleeping mats—to distribute weight more evenly.
• Pitch tents on gravel sloping slightly to shed water rather than on soft ground.
• Avoid digging fire pits or trenches; even shallow trenches disrupt capillary action and nutrient cycles.

For deeper insight into soil structure, drainage and recovery, see the soil health factsheets from Landcare Research.

Encouraging Vegetation Recovery

After breaking camp, give the site a fresh start:

• Scatter any displaced leaf litter or small stones back over exposed soil to kick-start natural covers.
• Step lightly when packing up, avoiding scrubby patches and seedling clusters.
• Where local authorities permit, spread native seed mixes or plant cuttings to help stabilise bare areas—always check with DOC or land managers first.
• In frequently used spots, simply allowing a site to rest for a season can work wonders: natural processes will recolonise open patches if left undisturbed.

By combining these practices, you’ll help the land heal swiftly, keeping campsites resilient and ready for the next generation of outdoor lovers.

Putting Leave No Trace Principles into Practice: A Camping Checklist

Having absorbed the seven principles, the final step is turning theory into habit. Use this checklist before, during and after each trip to make sure you’re covering every low-impact detail. Bookmark it on your phone or print it out—either way, it’ll help you stay on track and leave your campsites better than you found them.

Pre-Trip Planning Checklist

• Research and Permits
  • Check DOC track notes for closures, hut bookings and permit needs
  • Review regional fire bans and prohibited seasons on the DOC fires page
• Route and Weather
  • Study topographic maps or GPS tracks for daily distances and campsites
  • Monitor long-range forecasts and tide tables; plan for sudden alpine changes
• Emergency Plan
  • Leave a detailed trip plan with a trusted contact (route, campsites, return date)
  • Pack a first-aid kit, map, compass, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger
• Gear and Food
  • List essentials: shelter, sleeping kit, stove and fuel canisters, water-treatment system
  • Repackage meals into reusable pouches; portion food to eliminate leftovers
  • Include a small rubbish sack for wrappers and micro-litter

On-Site Behaviour Guidelines

• Campsite Selection
  • Pitch tents on durable surfaces: existing platforms, gravel flats or dry grass
  • Maintain a 60 m buffer from any water source for cooking, washing and latrines
• Trail and Footprint
  • Always stay on the centre of marked tracks; avoid forging new routes
  • Rotate tent sites and cooking spots nightly to disperse impact
• Waste Management
  • Pack out all rubbish, food scraps and hygiene items in sealed bags
  • Dig catholes 15–20 cm deep at least 60 m from water; carry out toilet paper
  • Strain and scatter grey water on durable ground, well away from streams
• Fire and Cooking
  • Use a gas or liquid-fuel stove by default; confine wood fires to existing rings
  • Burn wood to ash, douse with water until cold, then scatter cooled ashes
• Wildlife and Visitors
  • Observe animals from a respectful distance; never feed or call to them
  • Keep noise low, yield on narrow tracks and share space courteously

Post-Trip Leave No Trace Evaluation

• Site Inspection
  • Walk through your former campsite: collect any stray bits of litter or charcoal
  • Scatter displaced leaf litter or small stones to restore natural cover
• Self-Audit Questions
  • Did I stick to durable surfaces and maintain the 60 m water buffer?
  • Were all waste streams (rubbish, grey water, human waste) handled correctly?
  • Did I respect fire regulations and fully extinguish any embers?
• Share Your Insights
  • Compare notes with your group and jot down improvements for next time
  • Provide feedback to fellow campers or local DOC offices if you spot high-use issues
  • Pass this checklist on—when more people follow these steps, our wild spaces thrive

Ready to gear up sustainably? Visit Action Outdoors for expert advice and an eco-friendly range of camping kit to help you leave only footprints.
https://www.actionoutdoors.kiwi

Next Steps for Your Low-Impact Camping Journey

You’ve now explored the seven Leave No Trace principles, from careful planning and choosing durable surfaces to respectful wildlife observation and considerate campfire practices. The real test comes on your next trip: whether you can weave these guidelines into every decision, big and small, so that our landscapes stay healthy and inviting.

Start by revisiting your pre-trip checklist. Double-check permits, weather forecasts and fire restrictions. Pack with waste-reduction in mind—portion meals, swap disposable wraps for reusable pouches and bring along sealable rubbish bags. On the trail, stay centred on marked routes, scatter grey-water widely, and confine any fire to approved rings (or skip it altogether in favour of a stove). Finally, pause regularly to admire native flora and fauna without disturbing them, and leave each site cleaner than you found it.

As you build these habits, share your experiences and tips with fellow campers—nothing spreads low-impact practices faster than word-of-mouth. And when you need gear that aligns with Leave No Trace ethics, head to Action Outdoors. Our curated range of sustainable tents, stoves, reusable containers and eco-friendly accessories helps you tread lightly, so you can leave only footprints—and return home with memories to last a lifetime.