The bogus sign that has all the colour and logo of a real DOC sign, asks track uses to

“Please do not defecate in our National Parks. Heavy duty tramping nappies are available from all DOC visitor centres free of charge, and DOC hut wardens carry an emergency supply. Toilets in conservation areas are strictly for urination only.”

Understandingly no one has claimed responsibility for the fake signs but the message appears to be clearly from someone who believe that commercialisation of New Zealand’s walks have led to an increase in human waste pollution.

The 35 year old Israeli veered of the South Islands Routeburn Track onto an unformed Department of Conservation emergency avalanche route. She subsequently fell on slippery boulders, breaking her neck.

The coroner has raised with the department whether the expression “Great Walk” adequately describe the tramping trip through difficult and potentially dangerous, rugged back-country terrain, with often unpredictable weather conditions. Coroner David Crerar was concerned that “inexperienced tourists – especially who spoke English as a second language – saw “walk” and discounted the seriousness of the situation”