Crossing’s upgrade a must: MP

The Pouakai Crossing has been touted as the next best thing for Taranaki tourism but it needs some money invested in it, New Plymouth MP Jonathan Young says.

The crossing was one of two unmissable attractions highlighted by Lonely Planet when they named Taranaki as the second best region in the world to visit.

The Pouakai Crossing has the potential to bring in large numbers of people, but needs some investment, Young said.

‘‘We need to ensure the infrastructure is strong, that there’s protection of the environment, so that were not having rubbish and waste issues and that it becomes positively signposted.’’

Several months ago a team made up of representatives from organisations such as Venture Taranaki, district councils and DOC got together to discuss the crossing, he said.

‘‘We discussed a development plan for the walk. Where we need to upgrade and routes that would take people through high value sites like the tarns. We hope very shortly to have a development plan for walks that will lift it to an amazing level for visitors.’’

Rob Needs, who coined the term Pouakai Crossing, said it might take five years for visitor numbers to build up.

‘‘We’re not suddenly going to get 120,000 people this summer like the Tongariro Crossing, so the infrastructure is probably ideal for nice organic growth. It certainly can’t cope with significant numbers without needing significant investment, but ultimately investment will have to be put into it.’’

Literature, such as brochures, had to be produced really quickly, Needs said.

The economic impact of the Tongariro Crossing was huge and even if Taranaki had a small per cent of that it would be a game changer for the region, he said.

‘‘Because it’s a day walk, people have to stay the day before and the day after. So accommodation places are going to get two nights out of it.’’

Ariki Backpackers manager Matty Webling said a lot of places may look to expand.

‘‘Our summertime is already chocka enough. If they are not here for the mountain, they are here for the surf and the Pouakai Crossing will be a huge attraction.’’

Devon Hotel managing director Peter Tennent said being named one of the top two regions on the planet was pretty significant.

‘‘Over summer we tend to be busy anyway. And Lonely Planet leans more towards the backpackers market than some of expensive hotels in town, but it keeps a spotlight on this place which is good.’’

Oakura Beach Holiday Park manager Jendi Ward said she hopes more people visit Taranaki.

‘‘It picks up in summer, but it would be great to get more visitors in quieter months. We get quite a few people who look through Lonely Planet and we definitely have enough camp sites and a good variety of units for all budgets.’’