DoC Concession Requirements
Access to the Farewell Spit Nature Reserve is managed under
strict conditions by the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DoC). There are only two concession operators licenced to take people into the reserve. In effect these operators are able to issue clients with permits to enter the nature reserve. The concession requires a percentage of gross takings
to be paid to DoC.
The operators monitor each other and other visitor's activities within the first 2.5 km along Farewell Spit.
Each operator has a cap on customer numbers and vehicle movements per day. Each operator has one allocated sand-dune and specified areas they can visit. Vehicles must stay on the active beach below the spring high water mark.
Any significant sightings and events observed during a tour are conveyed to DoC.
Assistance in whale strandings, wildfires, and other emergencies is expected of the concessionaire, as is contribution to annual maintenance of roads and structures.