The Public Pulse of Conservation is a survey of Aotearoa New Zealand residents conducted by the Department of Conservation. The survey is administered on behalf of the department by Ipsos, and captures 1,000 responses every month. The results from each monthly survey ‘wave’ are normally published by the end of the month in which they are collected.

Ipsos collates a monthly topline report summarising the findings from the survey. The report for the November 2022 wave, surveying activity from the previous month - October 2022, is available below.

• Monthly Topline Report – November 2022 - Department of Conservation

Key findings for November 2022

• There has been an overall increase in visits to DOC-managed places, with satisfaction and related measures all improving.
• The average number of visits to Protected Natural Areas in the last month has risen to 2.2. This is the highest recorded since tracking began (which was after COVID-19 began).
• Protected Heritage Places’ NPS has significantly increased, as has satisfaction with the overall experience at Protected Heritage Places. This reflects a large increase in those having a ‘exceptionally good’ experience.
• Visitor satisfaction at Protected Heritage Places for facilities and in particular, signage/maintenance has increased.
• Protected Natural Areas’ NPS has increased due to a decrease in Detractors.
• The main issues people recall from DOC relate to predator and pest control and climate change, followed closely by Great Walks and general hut / campsite information.
• Friends / family / local people are the most commonly used source of information used for planning visits to Protected Natural Areas, closely followed by weather forecasts.
• There has been a significant increase in the number of people who cite a beach / coastal location as being especially important to them. There has been a significant decrease of those saying the same about bush / forest locations.

The Sustainable Tourism Explorer will soon be updated with measures from the Public Pulse of Conservation survey, and a data release page will be developed to surface key data for you to interact and download for your own insights.