One step closer to Greatness?

Marlborough’s most popular walking track has taken a step closer to becoming one of New Zealand’s newest Great Walks.

The 70km Queen Charlotte Track has been put forward for the coveted Great Walk mantle, and the trust behind the track say it’s made the shortlist.

The Department of Conservation, however, would not confirm its Great Walk finalists, saying an official announcement was expected next week.

The track, which runs from Ship Cove to Anakiwa, was pushed hard for consideration in the Government’s selection process because it would create profitable tourism for the region.

Queen Charlotte Track Trust chairman Rob Burn said the shortlisting was ‘‘good news’’ for the track.

‘‘Things are much more positive than they could have been,’’ Burn said.

‘‘Queen Charlotte Track is a hero track. It was the first to attract funding and now it’s gaining momentum.’’

The Great Walks are a collection of nine premier tracks maintained by DOC that pass through diverse scenery.

If successful, Queen Charlotte Track would be one of the first major expansions to DOC’S Great Walk series in more than 25 years.

DOC was granted $76 million to upgrade and develop tourist facilities, including the addition of two new Great Walks, in the Government’s Budget 2017.

A working group was formed between the Queen Charlotte Track Trust, the Marlborough District Council, Destination Marlborough, landowners and other stakeholders to make a Queen Charlotte Track Great Walk submission late last year.

‘‘A Great Walk status would put Marlborough on the map,’’ Burn said.

Queen Charlotte Track is already rated by DOC as an Easier Tramping Track, and upgrades may be needed to get the pathway recognised as a Great Walk.

It is also listed as a Great Ride, while the walk from Ship Cove to Anakiwa is popular among trampers.

But to become a Great Walk, a track must represent the ‘‘best of the best’’ of the country’s natural landscape, while also catering to relatively inexperienced multi-day trampers.

The walk also needs to provide an experience to engage with Ma¯ ori culture.

Any new Great Walk would also need to be easy for people to consider, by being located close to population centres.

In this regard, DOC said it preferred North Island proposals.

‘‘The original premise was to introduce one in the North Island, then balance that with one in the South Island,’’ Burn said.

‘‘But now they’re trying to balance population versus ease of access.’’

According to DOC, visitors want a Great Walk to include a three- to five-day journey through low-risk back country. They desire an undisturbed wilderness experience with unique scenery and natural wonders.

So far, Queen Charlotte Track’s all-year weather, spectacular vistas, iconic history and low-risk tramping have made it a strong contender.

Burn said he hoped the track’s submission would get to the next stage.

‘‘The next stage involves further community engagement with iwi,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s their chance to tell their story.’’