Firms accused of illegal guiding in Abel Tasman
Two companies are being investigated for allegedly illegally hosting guided walks in Abel Tasman National Park last summer.
Department of Conservation operations manager Mark Townsend said hut wardens and rangers in the popular park were continually on the lookout for commercial tour- ism operations operating without a concession.
He would not comment further on what the alleged activities involved, when they occurred, or the identity of the companies until the investigation was complete.
Depending on the outcome of the investigation, Townsend said, the companies could face prosecution.
There are 22 tourism operators that hold 25 concessions issued by DOC to operate on the Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve.
They include concessions for water transport, guided kayak trips and boat charters. Some tourism operators also have concessions for guided walking trips and staying overnight in the park on guided kayaking trips.
Each concession holder pays activity fees based on trip numbers or foreshore crossing numbers.
In addition, two commercial filming operators were found to be filming in the national park without a permit. Townsend said both operators had been contacted and advised that a permit was required for commercial filming on public conservation land.
In the year ended June 30, 245 permits for commercial filming on public conservation land were granted.
No further action was being taken, and DOC would not name the companies involved.
Last month, it was revealed that more than 200 guides were caught hosting guided tours for visitors in Fiordland National Park without permission last summer.
DOC undertook a targeted compliance programme focusing on guiding and transport operators from October 2018 until April 2019, and of the 324 guides checked, 217 held no concession.