Tramping illegal

See Wilderness article above, talk of huts not re-opening until level 1... Suspect DOCs risk aversion will play (rightly or wrongly) a big part in the guidance of getting into the outdoors going forward.

Doc could well be told to stop paying rangers if they are not out there doing something. Im not sure I would want to share a hut for some time yet though

Any guesses what the level 2/3 restriction rules theyve outlines mean for outdoor rec? No hut use, clearly. But maybe a bit more freedom to walk 'in your region'? Here's hoping. re @geeves laying off rangers: it'd be a very small no of wardens working primarily in staffed huts who depend on visitors for work, and they'd be mostly seasonal and leaving now anyway. Plus visitor centre staff. Most field rangers have little interaction with the public except chance encounters. And both biodiversity work, historic structure maintenance and much scheduled rec facility maintenance is necessary whether or not people visit, unless you intend to permanently close said facility.

So they are still working

@madpom Yes, rules around outdoor activities were clarified for level 3 yesterday. Fishing from shore allowed (but not rocks), no boating. Mountain biking and day walks allowed provided you're "experienced" and are familiar with the trail. Hunting and multi-day trips expressly prohibited. Surfing is now allowed too provided that you're "experienced". Be interesting to see how this develops as we move into level 3 and below. No trips to cribs or holiday houses overnight either. I'm guessing the restriction on overnight trips is due to the fact that most people would stay in a hut and the transmission risk around that. https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-system/alert-level-3/#recreation

This is quite an important bit: "Do not use any common equipment touched by people from outside your bubble." If you are heading out towards a track a bit further away, remember that things like gates and stiles would be key surfaces for transmission. Especially if you're in a popular place and everyone's handling the same surfaces.

@geeves - no. DOC not working in the field under level 4 except for those providing necessary care to species, such as feeding captive animals, etc. And those called on in their roles as part of civil defense. https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/issues/covid-19/ I was imagining what should be possible under level 3. But looks like the details of what work is permitted still need to be clarified. Nothing on the 'prohibited' list for level 3 (high contact work) sounds like it prohibits conservation work, but there's no explicit discussion of outdoor or backcountry work there either. Guess DOC will update their own information (above) when they know what staff we can expect to be working and what not.

""You can drive "a short distance", but you should still keep it local. The Covid-19 website says a 45-minute drive is okay to go somewhere for a walk or run - for example, travelling from Porirua to Paraparaumu."" 45 min drive opens a few more gates. Don't open gates (Nods toward Izogi). :) Theme of the proposed relaxation appears to be don't invoke emergency or rescue, avoid face-to-face, avoid cross-contamination opportunities. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12325362

the police minister doesnt want you driving anywhere not essential in Level 3.... "We want people to use their common sense, and we're heading into winter… I wouldn't expect you to jump in a car and drive for half an hour to get to the beach. I would think that'd be non-essential travel and therefore unnecessary, therefore outside the rules. "My feeling is stick to the level 4 restrictions really at the moment. If you can't walk to the beach, then don't go to the beach. We want to limit non-essential travel. https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2018742931/covid-19-alert-level-three-questions-answered-by-the-police-minister

I've seen it called "Level 4 with KFC". From your link, thanks, his thoughts don't jibe with what Ardern said (per my link) nor on what is on the official Covid website right now ie day hikes & driving 45 minutes to get there. I can see what he's saying about minimising car travel & congregating, bless his heart. ""If you are an experienced surfer, you can go to your local break. If you’re not experienced, don’t surf. If you want to go fishing you can do so from a wharf or the shore, but don’t cast off the rocks or fish from a boat (boating is not allowed). Tramping is ok for day walks on easy trails, same for mountain biking if you are experienced and know the trail. Please be aware of maintaining two metres distance from other people. Do not use any common equipment touched by people from outside your bubble. Now is not the time to take up new activities, or expose yourself or your bubble to any risk. Use your common sense – stay local, stay safe. FAQs How far can I drive to do a recreation activity? You should drive as short a distance as you can, and still do the activity. You must stay local. Hunting, boating, yachting and any team sports or training are not allowed. What sort of activities can I do? You can drive to a nearby area to go for a walk or run, for example a beach 45 minutes away. This could mean travelling outside your region if the nearest beach or park if it is still within a close distance to your home – for example travelling from Porirua to Paraparaumu."" https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-system/alert-level-3/#recreation I guess, rules are relaxing but stop looking for loopholes ?.