The new, New Zealand Government is looking for new tourism ventures to see this country through the current recession. One initiative being looked at, is building a national cycle way throughout the country. In essence this may be a good idea, but one area being looked into is the Heaphy Track. This is a narrow and steep trail, in places, and approximately 80 kilometres, which traverses Kahurangi National Park. It is known as the ‘Ecology’ walk of the country because of it’s many and varied habitats which are encountered during the walk. It has more plant species than any other walk. It is also one of the last bastions for some of our rare and endangered fauna, such as; Blue Duck (Whio), Great Spotted Kiwi and the Powelliphanta land snail.
Prime Minister John Key, who is also our Tourism Minister, has invited our local government member of parliament, Chris Auchinvole (who is pushing this idea of bikes on the Heaphy), to ‘formulate a proposal that can be considered.’ It is also supported by another local government MP, who is our Environment Minister, and local Mayors. Walkers in Nikau forest
This would be total disregard for our natural ecology if it were to go ahead. We believe this is the one walk which should be left for the nature based walker. It would be inevitable that conflict will arise between bikers and hikers.
This is ‘Irresponsible Tourism’ at its best.
Our country has been riding high on its ‘100% Pure’ and ‘Clean and Green’ banners for some years now. We think our Government and Tourism Board should now push what is truly unique about our country. It isn’t the scenery or the adrenalin based activities (these can be found in all countries) – it’s our flora and fauna. Our country was isolated from the rest of the world for 83 million years, and all within it has evolved differently to anywhere else on this planet.
Bush and Beyond Guided Walks has been a proponent of conservation based tourism for the past 16 years, and has actively tried to encourage both the Board and the Tourism Ministry to push this kind of tourism. We believe this would bring many people worldwide – to see these inherent values.
Our natural values are not being valued.Heaphy river bluffs
Mr Auchinvole has told us if there is a silent majority against this (as we are sure there are), then they had better start speaking out. Hence our article above.
We believe this is an international decision, and should be up for discussion. Our government needs to hear from people from all over the world, that the way to go in this day and age is conservation/tourism – not adrenalin tourism if it is going to destroy our precious natural habitat.
