Protestors have taken to Haupapa Tasman Glacier to draw attention to heli-tourism’s complicated link with climate change. The area is a popular tourist attraction and several helicopter operators fly multiple trips each day.

Helicopter emissions were highlighted over Labour Weekend by Climate Liberation Aotearoa protestors who displayed banners near Ball Hut and Tasman Saddle Hut, as well as a floating banner on Tasman Lake.

Organiser Ivan Forrest, a lifelong tramper and trans alpinist, said there’s a limit of 7000 snow landings a year on Haupapa and no cap on scenic flights.

“Helicopters use 40–60 times more CO₂ an hour than cars,” he said. “There’s a tragic hypocrisy that these luxury emissions melt the glaciers they showcase.”

He believes Aotearoa should move from this “deeply unsustainable tourist economy.”

Forrest says helicopters also negatively impact an area’s tranquility.

“The best way to enjoy the Haupapa is on foot, not in a helicopter. As trampers, we already know this.”

He hopes that when the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Management Plan is reviewed, there will be a reduction in the number of permitted snow landings.

“We want to let these companies know that they’re losing their social licence to dominate and melt our most special landscapes.

“For me, walking up the Haupapa involves a grieving process, a very direct reminder of how much we have destabilised our earth’s climate,” said Forrest.