Ms Wilkinson visited Taiaroa Head yesterday, after touring Boulder Beach, Sandfly Bay, and Penguin Place on the Otago Peninsula.
She was also shown the work of the Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust and released a rare kiwi at Orokonui Ecosanctuary, near Waitati, on Saturday.
Ms Wilkinson said the projects all showed how conservation could act as a stimulus to tourism, and how tourism could encourage and fund further conservation.
With Doc, "clever and committed" community groups, trusts, iwi and businesses had helped Coastal Otago earn its reputation as a nature destination, she said.
"Tourism is an important part of the economic recovery, and areas that have worked hard to promote conservation also have a tourism product, and they stand to benefit."
At Taiaroa Head, Ms Wilkinson learned how the Dunedin City Council, Doc, Korako Karetai Trust, and Te Runanga o Otakou were developing a management plan for Taiaroa Head and its wildlife reserves.
Doc Otago conservancy community relations manager Ken Stewart said the plan would ensure developments were considered alongside broad environmental and cultural principles.
Ms Wilkinson visited the Allans Beach wildlife management reserve on Otago Peninsula on Saturday, where Yellow Eyed Penguin Trust members explained how nest numbers had grown from seven to 22 since the area was revegetated.
Ms Wilkinson said it was amazing to get so close to a yellow-eyed penguin and it made her appreciate the hard work done by volunteers, businesses, trusts and sponsors.
"We're blessed at the number of volunteers who give generously of their time".
