Kepler Track Developments 2012

From the Southland Times August 2012

Trampers on the Kepler Track could soon be sharing the route with cyclists and groups of guided walkers if two separate proposals are approved by the Conservation Department (DOC).

The mountainbike fraternity is seeking a change to the Fiordland National Park Management Plan to allow cycling on the Kepler Track, while two of the department's largest concessionaires, Trojan Holdings and Ngai Tahu Tourism, want to run fully catered and guided walks.

Representatives from Te Anau Cycling Incorporated made a presentation to the Southland Conservation Board on Thursday in a bid to make cycling the Kepler Track a reality.

Te Anau Cycling Incorporated member Steve Hoskin told the board the group was one of many organisations wishing for a change in the Fiordland plan to allow cyclists access to the track.

A change in DOC policy would bring several benefits, he said.

"More people will be able to experience the park, especially in the off-season, and luring cyclists to the region would provide an economic stimulus," he said.

Cyclists appear to have the support of DOC and the Southland Conservation Board.

DOC Te Anau programme and contracts project manager Andrew Cudby said the limitations on cycling in Fiordland National Park were setting the region back.

Any plan changes would need to place serious consideration on the impact on other users and the environment, Mr Cudby said.

Southland Conservation Board chairwoman Viv Shaw said the board supported a review of the ban on cycling in the plan.

Representatives from Trojan Holdings and Ngai Tahu Tourism also put their case to the board.

Ngai Tahu Tourism's general manager of strategy and business development, Dean Lawrie, said the plan had provisions to allow guided walks on the Kepler Track and there was enough room on the track for independent trampers and groups with a guide.

The application for the guided walking tour proposal included the construction of two lodges in the vicinity of the existing Luxmore and Iris Burn huts.

The lodges would initially accommodate 24 people, with the capacity to expand to 48 later, Mr Lawrie said.

Ultimate Hikes general manager Noel Saxon said the lodges would have low visual and environmental impact. Design concepts would ensure they fitted the natural landscape, he said.

Mrs Shaw said there would be several areas the board would need to scrutinise with any concession application, including irreversible environmental damage during expanding current facilities and developing new infrastructure.