They:

• encourage New Zealanders to get involved in conservation and to get out and enjoy activities on conservation land
• protect New Zealand’s native plants, animals and habitats
• look after tracks, tramping huts and campgrounds on conservation land
• provide information for visitors to conservation land and manage visitor bookings
• work with businesses, community groups, iwi and others to help them get involved in conservation
• coordinate and train conservation volunteers
• manage permits and licences for hunters and fishers, and for companies that want to carry out business on conservation land, eg kayaking tour groups
• maintain and "bring back to life" some of New Zealand’s historical areas and buildings
• promote the benefits of conservation.