Kiwi camping tradition given a cash injection

The move by the government to allocate $311 million in this year's Budget for environmental conservation, including "family-friendly" camp sites around the country has been welcomed by environmental lobby groups.

The allocation, though down from last year has the lion's share going to the Department of Conservation which carries out the bulk of conservation funding in the country.

Conservation Manager Chris Carter said that $117 million would be allocated to "family-friendly" camping sites and their conservation.