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 April 2023 wave, surveying activity from the previous month - March 2023, is available below.

• Monthly Topline Report – April 2023 - Department of Conservation

Key findings for April 2023

• March visitation to Protected Natural Areas significantly increased since February (49% vs 44%). This follows a significant decline in February activity which coincided with Cyclone Gabrielle. Visitation to Protected Natural Areas is now on par with a year ago.
• Despite the number of people visiting PNAs and PHPs being the same as a year ago, they are visiting less frequently - the average number of visits to Protected Natural Areas and Protected Heritage Places in the last month (March ‘23) is lower compared to a year ago.
• Satisfaction with the overall experience at Protected Natural Areas remained stable this month and also when compared to a year ago.
• Satisfaction with the overall experience at Protected Heritage Places remained stable this month despite a significant drop in those rating their experience as good when compared to a year ago.
• More people said that their visit to a Protected Heritage Place was emotionally uplifting and meaningful, now in line with levels seen last year. The same also applies to the number of people saying their visit was one of the best ever had.
• NPS for both Protected Natural Areas and Protected Heritage Places remains lower than a year ago. Protected Natural Areas NPS is 28, following a significant decrease last month. Protected Heritage Places NPS is 12. A year ago these were 34 and 23, respectively.
• The number of people who strongly agree that their Protected Natural Area of personal importance to them is damaged by visitors has increased.

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.