The great outdoors is a paradise for Kiwis. However, they are not using toilets, littering, letting their dogs roam free, and causing damage to conservation areas with off-road vehicles, a report said.
Closed borders meant that New Zealanders were able to visit the outdoors in record numbers, but their behavior was too inconsistent with norms, according to a Department of Conservation report. This report was based on feedback received from rangers.
The 2020/21 Visitors Insights stated that some Rangers felt that some visitors were entitled. The rangers also commented on the increasing levels of pollution and 4WD damage.
Dogs can also pose a problem.
When asked what they would do if given the opportunity to run a media campaign they replied that they were not sure.
The report stated that “many rangers would conduct a campaign to educate people about leaving pets at home, especially dogs,”
Litter was also prominently mentioned in feedback. One unnamed ranger clarified the message. “Poo in the loo, and don’t leave your rubbish.”
Another ranger stated. “Protecting our local Taonga from vehicle impacts is not a waste tip. Our conservation areas are not garbage tips.”
Rob Brown, a Wanaka-based manager of the Back Country Trust and keen tramper is not surprised at the comments made by rangers, particularly about dogs and offroad vehicles.
He said that the problem is mostly with people who don’t belong to clubs. He prefers to drive on four wheels but sticks to the roads. He has met off-roaders in sensitive conservation zones.
He said that he understands why trampers want their dogs to go with them. However, he also said that dogs shouldn’t be allowed in areas with flightless birds such as kiwi.
The DOC report was for the period November 2020 to May 2021. Rangers from all over the country were asked to provide their input.
The following are the key findings of the report covering the period of seven months:
- An estimated 171,000 people camped at bookable campsites, 91,800 people did a Great Walk and 80,600 stayed at other bookable huts.
- More than three-quarters of New Zealanders (78 percent) reported they had visited the outdoors.
- The number of people doing the Tongariro Crossing fell by 63 percent. It was still one of the most popular walks in New Zealand with 45,500 people completing it.
- Visitor numbers at Roys Peak, near Wanaka, fell by 67 percent. It is popular with backpackers who take selfies with the magnificent mountain background.
- Uretiti Beach Campsite (Northland) was the most visited DOC campground in New Zealand.
- Pinnacles Hut (Coromandel) was the most visited non-Great Walk hut in New Zealand with more than 15,000 visitors and an occupancy rate of 62 percent.
- The Otago Central Rail Trail was popular with cyclists with a 24 percent increase.
- Powell Hut in the Tararuas had 4,310 visitors.
- Visitor numbers for Milford Sound were down by 73 percent.
- Visitor activity at Aoraki Mt Cook National Park dropped significantly. The number of cars decreased by 48 percent and the number of people on the Hooker Valley Track fell by 61 percent.