Local tourism operators fear that new pricing and concession legislation to the TAC could negatively impact their businesses. The changes, due to be implemented from July, include a booking system with a daily cap on numbers, one-way walking from Mangatepopo and greater cultural representation.

An ‘environmental monitoring fee’ is also being implemented. DOC will charge track transport businesses approximately 40 per cent of the per person fee it already charges concessionaires.

Ruapehu Scenic Shuttles owner Colin Baker, originally a hut ranger in the area, said the changes had been in the pipeline for years. “I understand why they’re doing it. It’s popular, so we get a lot of people who walk up and don’t show respect to what is there, resulting in rubbish and injuries.”

One of Baker’s key concerns was regarding concessions (a DOC permit that allows businesses to operate on public conservation land). He was unsure if his concession would be renewed when the changes commence.

“It’s $3000-plus to renew a concession currently, but we’ve been told it’s only going to be for three years. It was up to a maximum of 10 years. We were also told we need to apply for two concessions, one for the TAC and one for everywhere else.”

Baker said DOC’s goal was to get 95 per cent of walkers into shuttles. “It makes sense, but as a small operator we’re going to struggle. The way they are going about these changes, not many will survive.

“I don’t know if there is a solution at the moment, no one will be happy with any of the changes. For me, I’d like to see the park managed in a way where there are fewer people but the local community is still spported. It’s about being able to make enough income to survive and to afford upgraded vehicles. It’s about making the park accessible and enjoyable for all without the heavy focus on just one track.”

One local operator, who Wilderness agreed not to name due to concerns it could impact his business, said he felt capping numbers was a good decision. His concern was twofold: the approach to the new booking system and his concession renewal.

“The first thing DOC said was ‘let’s introduce a booking system’. I had no issue with that, but I asked if people could book it through my site. Their approach was to just have a list of operators on the DOC website in alphabetical order, so essentially some of my clients will be sent to someone else.”

Like Baker, he was also concerned over the uncertainty of his concession being renewed. “Capping the numbers will work itself out; like a Great Walk. The part a lot of us have a problem with is that we can’t get certainty of concessions.” He said ideally he’d like operators to be granted 10 year concessions with three year review periods.

“At least then operators have an appetite to invest in their businesses. No one will spend anything on any vehicles or infrastructure if they can’t get a concession to operate. There’s a lot of talking yet to be done.”

Department of Conservation Director of Heritage and Visitors Cat Wilson said. “We are working with Ngāti Hikairo and a reference group of concession holders to ensure changes to better protect the Tongariro Alpine Crossing are designed with them, and work for them and their businesses. We are still exploring with them how a booking system and an environmental monitoring fee would work – no decisions have been made yet. At this stage we hope to start implementing the booking system from July/August.

“For the coming season there will be no cap on numbers – we will evaluate how the first season using the booking system works before working with our reference group to set a cap.”

At the crossing’s pre-Covid peak, more than 2000 people could be on the track during the busiest days. Both heavy congestion and human waste issues were recognised under the new management plan. However, ​​Mt Tongariro is sacred to the Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro and Ngāti Tūwharetoa. Ensuring greater cultural representation is at the heart of the changes. Ngāti Hikairo has suggested a daily cap of 800 walkers, but a final decision is yet to be made.