Adventure tourism businesses fear a backlog of compulsory safety audits could threaten people's access to the outdoors.
From November 2014, it will be compulsory for companies to show that they are safe and drug-free.
The safety audit regulation was brought in after a 2010 review of the adventure and outdoor commercial sector following a number of serious accidents.
There is one auditing body in the country, Outdoors Mart, which is operated by Outdoors New Zealand.
Chairperson Alex Brunt said it stands, it would not be able to get through all the audits before the November deadline and more resources are needed "to keep it at a level that doesn't threaten participation, particularly by groups that are not commercial in nature - schools and scouts and guides - which play a significant role in allowing New Zealanders to access the outdoors".
Mr Brunt said Outdoors New Zealand would need to work closely with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment so the audits can be completed in time.
