A wrap of the biggest stories and best writing about the outdoors from New Zealand and around the world.
The president of the Federated Mountain Clubs, Robin McNeill, says DOC has hinted at abandoning huts across the country. He says if it’s true that they’re cutting funding for backcountry huts nationwide “it would not be acceptable”.
“DOC Head Office has already cut funding for the Backcountry Trust, which is doing sterling work enabling volunteers to restore backcountry huts – our places – that DOC will not do themselves.”
McNeill is also disappointed that DOC didn’t engage with people regarding the changes taking place in Te Urewera. “We are also in discussions with DOC to understand why they felt it appropriate to make this decision on behalf of the public with no input from the tramping and hunting communities, and to seek assurances that this doesn’t happen again.” Read more on the FMC’s position here.
Remote South Island tourist spots see biggest drop in visitors
For obvious reasons the Covid pandemic has had a huge impact on visitor numbers to Aotearoa. But the very worst hit areas, according to a new DOC report, are those in the hard-to-reach spots in the South Island.
Milford Sound tops this unfortunate list, with visitor numbers down 86 percent in the 2021/22 season, compared to 2018/2019. But the likes of Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes and Franz Josef Glacier have also seen similar declines.
Roys Peak Track, which overlooks Lake Wanaka, is another to see numbers tumble by more than 80 percent, while numbers walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing have declined by 79 percent.
“While we know prior to the pandemic, high visitor numbers were putting pressure on some popular places, it’s sobering to see these figures and their impact on nearby communities,” said DOC’s Heritage and Visitor Director Tim Bamford. Read more at New Zealand Herald.
Ruapehu ski fields put into administration
After a terrible winter when very little snow fell on Mt Ruapehu, and when it did fall it was quickly washed away, the company that operates Whakapapa and Tūroa ski fields has gone into voluntary administration.
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts – a not-for-profit company set up by ski club members in the 1950s – owes the Government $15 million, and it’s doubtful taxpayers will see that money again.
It was loaned the first $10 million in 2018 to construct its Sky Waka gondola at Whakapapa, then it was given a further $5 million when Covid decimated visitor numbers. Read more here.
Weather closes North Island tracks
There’s no letting up of pressure on DOC when it comes to weather-related track damage. Spring storms have this week forced two tracks in the Maniapoto district to close.
The first was Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk, which goes through a limestone gorge near Waitomo; then came Arataki Track, on the eastern side of the Pureora Forest.
The latter provides access to the extremely popular Pureora Timber Trail, so those wanting to cycle that will need to plan accordingly. Read more here.
Tramper’s life saved by train passenger
In the US a tramper doing a day hike on the Colorado Trail got lost and tried to climb up a cliff. She slipped and fell, breaking her leg and suffering a concussion.
She was ill-equipped for a night in the cold, but somehow survived and, the following morning, shuffled her way to a riverbank. On the other side of the river was a railway line, and the injured tramper waited for a train to come before waving frantically.
Fortunately, she was spotted by a passenger, who alerted staff, who stopped the train. Two medical professionals waded across the river and stayed with her until a helicopter arrived and she was taken to hospital.
Rescuers thought it was miraculous that she survived. The passenger who spotted her, meanwhile, was refunded her fare. Read more here.
