Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
Where Kiwis went last summer
New Zealanders continued to head into the great outdoors last summer but in fewer numbers than the previous year.
A report from the Department of Conservation (DOC) shows months of Covid-19 disruption affected visitor numbers on tramps, huts and campsites.
Overall between July 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, 164,000 people camped at bookable DOC campsites, which is down 3% on the previous year; 73,000 people stayed at bookable DOC huts (down 4%), and 72,700 people experienced a Great Walk (down 21%).
The lack of international visitors hit some regions hard, particularly in the South Island.
Numbers at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks were down 68% on the previous summer, with Milford Sound/Piopiotahi down 36% and Franz Josef Glacier 30%.
The numbers are even more stark when you compare them to the pre-pandemic 2018/19 season. Milford Sound/ Piopiotahi is down 86%, Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes drops 85%, Franz Josef Glacier 83% and Roys Peak Track 83%. The North Island is affected, too, with the Tongariro Alpine Crossing down 79% from pre-Covid numbers.
Rob Jewel, chief executive of Fox Glacier Guiding, said tourist numbers were moving in the right direction.
‘‘From May 1, visitor numbers have started to build,’’ he said.
‘‘From that point on we’ve seen our numbers grow, still off a low volume but certainly far superior to where they have been in the last two years.’’
During peak season in 2019, the company had between 250 and 300 clients per day, with international tourists making up 97% of business, he said.
‘‘Summer’s our peak period and we will hopefully see some good numbers coming through. The pre-bookings are the best I’ve had since Covid struck.’’
Patrick Volk, manager of Pancake Rocks Cafe and the owner of accommodation in Punakaiki, said the area had not yet recovered from the pandemic and still needed Government support.
‘‘At this time of year there are a few more people around but after the school holidays at my motel our numbers drop to zero,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s shocking, we are far away from being recovered and I feel the hospitality sector should still be supported until we get numbers that are realistic.’’
DOC heritage and visitor director Tim Bamford said while the figures were ‘‘sobering’’, international travel was starting to bounce back.
‘‘International visitor numbers have been climbing since the border with Australia reopened. We expect these iconic destinations will be busier this summer – and we’ll be watching with interest,’’ Bamford said.
‘‘Despite the border restrictions and domestic-travel impacts from Covid-19 being in the community, DOC visitor facilities were well used over the last year.’’
From November 2021 to January 2022 about 40,000 people stayed at Great Walk huts and campsites, which is down 17% compared to this time last year. Milford Track huts were at full capacity, while the Abel Tasman and Routeburn huts were close to full capacity. Abel Tasman was by far the most popular tramp, more than double the visitors of any other Great Walk.
Uretiti Beach Campsite in Northland remains the most visited DOC campground in Aotearoa, but even there numbers were down. In 2021/22 it welcomed about 18,000 overnight visitors, compared to more than 24,000 the previous year. The Pinnacles Hut in Coromandel was the most visited nonGreat Walk hut in New Zealand this summer, with close to 2800 people staying overnight.
Wellingtonians had a strong demand for bookable huts in the Remutaka and Tararua forest parks, with Turere Lodge and Powell Hut each having more than 1000 visitors.
Tracks close to Christchurch experienced growth, with the Christchurch to Little River Rail Trail up 10% compared to the same period last year and Awaroa/Godley Head (Pilgrims Way) up 5%.
Areas that saw smaller declines include Bannockburn Sluicings, the location for Oscarwinning movie The Power of the Dog, and Ulva Island just off Rakiura/Stewart Island.
The impacts of climate change also feature in the report and Bamford said visitors will continue to face upheavals to their trips.
‘‘The reality of climate change is it will mean more closures and costs across DOC’s recreation network. Repairs can take time as we explore longterm solutions for damaged sites that will stand up to future climate-related events.’’
Additional reporting by Lee Kenny.