Over the coming weeks, many Kiwis will be heading to our national parks and great walks for their summer holidays.

But if you're doing so for a cheap summer break, enjoy the free ride while it lasts.

The Department of Conservation is $1.65 billion short every year on what it needs to cover its responsibilities - and the Government is looking at a number of ways to swell DoC’s coffers.

Environmental advocates say an overhaul is needed, but they’re nervous about what squeezing money out of public land will mean for protecting nature.

And that’s without considering what it might mean for your next holiday. 

Today on The Front Page, NZ Herald senior writer Derek Cheng is with us to discuss the changes coming to DoC land.

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You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

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Producer: Ethan Sills

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