Abel Tasman proving just too popular?
As I’ve mentioned before we are fortunate enough to have 3 national parks in our region. But it seems New Zealand’s smallest National Park, Abel Tasman (23,500ha), is proving just too popular. (Map – here)
After revising and implementing changes, many contained in the 277 public submissions to the draft plan, the NZ Conservation Authority approved the new Abel Tasman National Park Management Plan on 9th October 2008. Comments on the plan from the Minister of Conservation were also taken into account.
This now means that the new directions provide in the plan are now in force until 2018.
In Wednesdays media release, Judy Hellstrom , Nelson/Marlborough Conservation Board chairperson said….
“The plan includes limits on the total amount of commercial (concession) activity that can take place in the park. It allows for a maximum total of 66 commercial trips per day by kayak or other self-propelled vessel. The total maximum number of guided walking trips per day is set at 50.”
“The plan allows for some mountain biking in the park. Mountain biking is to be allowed on Gibbs Hill Track in the winter visitor season, 1 May to 1 October, over two seasons as a trial. Mountain biking is also to be allowed year-round on part of the Moa Park Track, between the turnoff on the Rameka Track – which is legal road and currently used for mountain biking – and the Wainui Track turnoff. This will provide additional mountain bike access to Canaan Downs Scenic Reserve where mountain bike tracks are being developed.”
“Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest national park but it has high visitation that requires careful management in order to protect the natural characteristics for which the park is so highly valued.”
Rated one of the best
easy walks / hikes in the region, walkers from all over the world, plus locals too, have raved about the coastal walk, which can be broken into segments by utilizing DOC huts and campgrounds.
…and certainly The Plan would be aiming to stop this sort of thing from happening.
And if you were planning a walk / hike / tramp in our region soon, please read this.
December 13 2008 05:46 pm | Nelson
