Help on the way for overloaded destinations
Wastewater treatment and toilets have accounted for a decent chunk of $15 million in government grants to help struggling tourist destinations.
Hanmer Springs received $2.2m from the tourism infrastructure fund to upgrade its wastewater system, and Franz Josef will get $1.9m.
Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis said $14.2m in co-funding was awarded to local authorities for 30 visitor-related infrastructure projects – mostly toilets, car parks, wastewater and freedom camping facilities – spread from north of Kaitaia to Southland.
Tekapo’s famous Church of the Good Shepherd is one of the big winners, with the Mackenzie District Council receiving $294,000 for a new car park and walkways to cope with swarms of tourists around the popular destination.
In making the announcement Davis said councils would co-fund the projects in communities with high visitor numbers and a lower rating base.
‘‘We need to make sure we have the basics right – so that visitors continue to have high-quality experiences at every point of their holiday and want to return.
‘‘Increasing tourist numbers, while good for New Zealand, are putting pressure on infrastructure in many areas around the country.
‘‘The projects selected for funding are essential for some of the communities that really need help to develop infrastructure.’’
Canterbury’s $2.7m from the infrastructure fund, set up by the previous Government, will also help build toilets at Castle Hill and improve Springfield’s wastewater treatment system.
The Westland District Council will receive the largest overall amount – $3.2m – for facilities at Franz Josef, Haast, Hokitika Gorge and Sunset Point.
The list of projects included a new carpark and toilets to handle tourist numbers at Mt Taranaki’s Pouakai Crossing trail, and facilities at Blackball on the West Coast to support the planned Paparoa and Pike 29 Memorial tracks.
Davis said a second $10.7m funding round for tourism infrastructure was expected to be held early next year.
He also announced $700,000 would be invested in the upkeep of seven Great Rides of Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail, which was worth an estimated $37.4m a year to nearby communities.