A popular walking track in Bluff is under threat of becoming dog-free due to what the Department of Conservation (DOC) has described as an ‘obscene’ amount of dog faeces being left behind by careless pet owners.
Foveaux Walkway, part of the Te Araroa Trail, draws hundreds of visitors daily, thanks to its scenic views over Foveaux Strait, Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island and Rakiura/Stewart Island. The well-maintained coastal track winds through native bush rich in both Māori and European heritage.
DOC Acting Operations Manager Murihiku Jono Airey said the track is “visually stunning with native flora and fauna and is rich with Māori and European history”. However, he said the increasing levels of dog waste are putting the health and safety of staff and wildlife at risk.
“Dogs are allowed on the track as long as they are on lead. Dogs are doing what dogs do, but unfortunately their owners are leaving their dogs’ faeces behind in this precious place. It’s a long-term issue, and it’s getting worse,” said Airey.
He explained that the issue has become so severe that rangers now return from routine maintenance covered in dog faeces scattered by scrub-cutting equipment. Face shields have even become part of their protective gear.
Dog waste poses health risks not just to humans, but also to the wildlife that frequents the area. This includes fur seals, sea lions, Fiordland crested penguins, little penguins, and seasonal visitors like southern right whales.
“Unless things improve, we will have to exclude dogs from our track network in Bluff to ensure the health and safety of our rangers, visitors, and wildlife,” said Airey.
While some have suggested installing dog poo bins, DOC says they are not a feasible option due to the risk of illegal dumping and the maintenance they require. Instead, DOC is calling on dog walkers to take full responsibility for cleaning up after their pets.
“People tramping in our backcountry carry out human rubbish and waste to protect our natural environments, so we’re sure visitors to the urban Foveaux Walkway can manage the much easier job of cleaning up after their dogs,” said Airey.
New signs will be installed along the track reminding owners of their obligations. DOC will continue to monitor the situation and decide whether dogs will continue to be allowed on the track.