Bogus signs advise nappies for trampers

Bogus Department of Conservation (DOC) signs suggesting trampers wear nappies instead of defecating in National Parks have been spotted around Southland.

Trampers reported seeing several of the authentic looking signs this winter on the Routeburn track, which traverses 32km of Mount Aspiring and Fiordland National Parks, the Southland Times reported today.

One sign found in September asked trampers not to defecate in the area and said heavy duty tramping nappies were available free from all DOC visitor centres.

"Toilets in conservation areas are strictly for urination only," it read.

Another bogus sign directed people to a public toilet up a steep rock face.

DOC Wakatipu programme manager Richard Kennett said he could see the funny side of the signs, which had also appeared in Fiordland last year.

However, there was a concern people could injure themselves if they followed the bogus sign which pointed up a steep bluff to a public toilet, he told the paper.

The signs are printed in DOC's green and yellow colours and bear the department and Great Walks logos.

- NZPA