Scientific reserves of New Zealand

{{Use New Zealand English|date=April 2024}}

A scientific reserve is a type of New Zealand protected area owned by the New Zealand Government and administered by the Department of Conservation as an area for scientific research and education.{{cite web |title=Reserves Act 1977 |url=https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/our-role/legislation/reserves-act/ |website=doc.govt.nz |publisher=Department of Conservation}}

Scientific reserves are established under the Reserves Act 1977 " for the purpose of protecting and preserving in perpetuity for scientific study, research, education, and the benefit of the country, ecological associations, plant or animal communities, types of soil, geomorphological phenomena, and like matters of special interest.".{{cite web |title=Reserves Act 1977|url=https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1987/0065/latest/DLM104692.html |website=legislation.govt.nz |publisher=New Zealand Government}}

Land Information New Zealand lists 51 recreation reserves on its website.{{cite web |title=New Zealand Gazetteer |url=https://gazetteer.linz.govt.nz/ |website=linz.govt.nz |publisher=Land Information New Zealand}} Entry to part of all of these reserves is limited to those with specific permits.