Great Walks trio revealed
Seven becomes three as New Zealand takes a step towards adding another Great Walk.
The Department of Conservation announced yesterday that the Queen Charlotte Track, in the Marlborough Sounds, Te Paki Coastal Track, in Northland, and Hump Ridge Track, in Southland, had made it through to the final round.
Over the coming months, DOC would complete more detailed work on the three finalists before announcing the successful track later this year.
This would include engaging with community groups, iwi, and representatives from the recreation, conservation and tourism sectors, and investigating and comparing the costs of bringing the tracks to Great Walks standard.
At least one of the tracks would become the new Great Walk, joining the network in 2021. It would be one of the first major expansions to DOC’S Great Walk series in more than 25 years.
DOC director general Lou Sanson said there were currently nine Great Walks showcasing New Zealand’s unique landscapes, nature and culture.
‘‘The walks have well-formed tracks, high-standard huts and facilities, providing a premium, accessible experience,’’ Sanson said.
But some were becoming crowded at peak times.
DOC was granted $12.7 million to expand the Great Walks network through the addition of two new tracks in the 2017 Budget.
The new Great Walks would help reduce pressure on current tracks, provide economic benefits to communities across New Zealand, and showcase the country’s range of outstanding landscapes.
Marlborough Sounds painter Rick Edmonds said he was not surprised the Queen Charlotte Track, which runs from Ship Cove to Anakiwa, had made the final three.
‘‘I’ve always been aware it ticked all the boxes, especially when compared nationally to other Great Walks and what it itself has to offer,’’ he said. ‘‘The Great Walk network can only been improved with its inclusion.
‘‘The positives of it being made a Great Walk would be the benefits to the economy, while the negatives would be having more people to share it with,’’ he said.
‘‘But that’s the price to pay for sharing our place in paradise.’’
Destination Marlborough general manager Jacqui Lloyd said she was ‘‘thrilled’’ the Queen Charlotte Track had made it into the final three. ‘‘I think it’s a testament to the landowners who started the track in 1983 and have worked hard over the years to maintain it,’’ she said.
In 2017, DOC invited submissions on which tracks could join the Great Walks network. It received more than 30 submissions, and seven walks were then shortlisted by a panel. DOC selected the Te Paki, Queen Charlotte and Hump Ridge tracks for further consideration.
Marlborough Mayor John Leggett said becoming the 10th Great Walk would promote the Queen Charlotte Track to more tourists, bringing all the related benefits to the Marlborough visitor economy.
All of the key infrastructure, such as accommodation and transport, required to gain Great Walk status was already in place on the track.
‘‘The beauty of the track is that it appeals to the very fit as well as people who prefer easier walking – so visitors can do an easier stretch or take on the whole 70-kilometre route from Meretoto [Ship Cove] to Anakiwa,’’ Leggett said.