Orokonui Ecosanctuary in Dunedin and the Burwood Bush Takahe Rearing Unit, near Te Anau, may be added to the list of public conservation land protected from mining.
While the review of schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act has attracted controversy for the areas proposed to be dropped from its protection, 14 areas have been proposed for inclusion.
That meant about 12,400ha would be effectively closed to any "meaningful mining activity", the Government's discussion document said.
The areas had mostly achieved their protection status recently, and after an assessment of the mineral potential and conservation values, it was proposed they be included in schedule 4.
Most other public conservation areas with similar protection classifications were already listed in schedule 4, the discussion document said.
The areas comprised six marine reserves, two scientific reserves, a nature reserve, two scenic reserves and recent additions to three national parks.
In Otago and Southland, that included 236ha of Orokonui Ecosanctuary and 3114ha at the Burwood Bush reserve.
Orokonui Ecosanctuary, near Waitati, has a $2.2 million, 8.7km pest-proof fence protecting habitat for endangered species being reintroduced to the area.
Burwood is a specialist facility for breeding and raising takahe.
About 30 are being raised there this year.
