Kiwis are urged to pick up a copy of the New Zealand outdoor access code before heading into the wilderness during the holiday season.

Beaches, lakes, rivers and mountains have a large increase in foot traffic during the summer months says The New Zealand Walking Access Commission's Chief Executive Mark Neeson, with many locations only accessible through rural and private properties.

Bush walks and tramping through our country side is high on many lists for Kiwis during the summer.

'Hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders will enjoy recreational activities in the outdoors with family and friends this summer. The secret to an enjoyable trip is being respectful and learning the basics of how to behave around farms, farm animals and forests,” says Mark.

Most landholders in New Zealand are happy to allow access across their private properties when asked says Mark. However, it is important that trust is retained by acting responsibly.

Multiple land-based and fresh-water fishing spots are only reachable through private property, many landowners appreciate the courtesy of asking.

Not only is it for respect but also for safety and saving altercations from being on private property.

'Enjoyment of the outdoors is a great part of the New Zealand way of life but the trend towards urban living means that an increasing number of people using the outdoors haven't grown up around rural environments,” says Mark.

'Over time that societal change can result in a decline in awareness of responsible behaviour in rural environments, so we are encouraging people to brush up on their knowledge of the Outdoor Access Code before venturing out.”

Research conducted by the Commission earlier this year found that 92 per cent of New Zealanders had been in the outdoors for recreation during the past 12 months.

The most popular outdoor recreational activity was picnics and family outings, followed by short walks and swimming.

Some of the handy tips in the Outdoor Access Code include top tips: consider others when enjoying the outdoors, take care when using firearms or lighting fires, and ask permission before crossing private land. People accessing private land with the permission of a landholder should make sure to leave gates as they are found and be careful not to unduly disturb or drive stock.

A full copy of the Outdoor Access Code is available at walkingaccess.govt.nz.