An ecological area is a type of New Zealand protected area. They are usually large (1,000 to 5,000 hectares) and usually feature the main ecosystems of a defined ecological district.[1] There are currently 57 recognised ecological areas in New Zealand.[2]
Like sanctuary areas, most ecological areas were set aside by the now defunct New Zealand Forest Service in the 1970s and 1980s in response to activism by the conservationist movement. Historically, ecological areas have mostly been in Southland and the West Coast of the South Island, and the Bay of Plenty Region of the North Island.
Ecological areas are usually accessible to the general public, but dogs are prohibited.