AusLeisure

Work undertaken by the Department of Conservation (DOC) in collaboration with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency on a new track and carpark at the Makarora River's Blue Pools aims to make the site safer for the 90,000 visitors who enjoy the site each year.

DOC Central Otago Operations Manager Mike Tubbs advises “parking at the site was right on the main highway, with people crossing the road to access the track. This was a safety concern with 265,000 vehicle movements a year on the highway.”

The new, longer track will take people on a 1.5-hour return walk to the Blue Pools, adding extra interest to the walk, which is currently just 1 hour.

Tubbs notes the new track was constructed with minimal impact on the environment of the area adding “because we moved the track entrance to Cameron Flat, we were able to construct the carpark in an area that was already a modified grassland – avoiding felling of any significant trees or vegetation.”

The track has been constructed to minimise the impact of people who visit the pools. The extra length of the track will help spread the load of people who visit this site, as well as making a more substantial short walk. Toilets have been installed at the carpark, which will provide facilities for the public travelling the road between Haast and Wanaka.

More work will be done to remove the old track and carpark and replant these areas.

Image of Blue Pools Swing Bridge courtesy of Department of Conservation/Shellie Evans.

Related Articles

10th February 2020 - Tourism Industry Aotearoa delivers new communications event

30th January 2020 - Research by Tourism Industry Aotearoa highlights progress in meeting sustainability goals

19th December 2019 - Tourism Industry Aotearoa acknowledges new approaches needed to manage the environmental impact of tourism

9th December 2019 - New Zealand tourism businesses see sustainability as top priority

2nd December 2019 - Otago study shows importance of adventure recreation

17th December 2018 - Department of Conservation launches new visitor behaviour campaign

16th September 2018 - $13.2 million to create Otago cycle trail network

17th October 2018 - Department of Conservation warning for beachgoers on wildlife dangers

12th May 2017 - Department of Conservation to raise charges for overseas visitors walking New Zealand’s trails

1st March 2017 - Department of Conservation to charge for access to New Zealand’s national parks?

11th May 2014 - Toitu Otago Settlers Museum attracts 320,884 visitors in its first year of operation

16th July 2013 - DOC keen to see more people use conservation parks in Otago

19th December 2011 - Scenic Otago walkway restored to former glory

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.