Dunedin residents Brian Hayes and Alan McMillan were among four people to be recognised as part of the inaugural New Zealand Walking Access Commission Awards.
After holding an awards ceremony in Wellington last month, the commission made the trip south to present Mr McMillan the award at his home yesterday.
Mr McMillan, who lives in Wingatui, is chairman of Public Access New Zealand (Panz) and has worked tirelessly for decades to uphold public rights of access.
He said he was ''humbled'' to receive the award and took the chance to thank other members of his organisation.
''I'm really only the mouthpiece of Panz,'' he said.
New Zealand Walking Access Commission chief executive Mark Neeson said Mr McMillan had made a ''huge contribution'' to ensuring public access to New Zealand's outdoors.
He also remarked on the contribution made by others in the Otago region, including Mr Hayes.
''Whatever is happening down here, long may it continue,'' Mr Neeson said.
Mr Hayes, a former registrar-general of land and the author of numerous reports on the law regarding public access, received his award at the Wellington ceremony, but was also present yesterday.
Mr Hayes said he had long had a passion for the outdoors and had used his expertise as a lawyer to help ensure future generations had access to New Zealand's natural beauty.
''It's an important part of the ethic of being a New Zealander,'' he said.
