National Park trampers to pay

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 244, 31 May 1988, Page 4

National Park trampers to pay

By

jocelyn

Price

Trampers in Tongariro National Park will have to pay up to 50 per cent more for guided hikes because of a shortage of money in the Department of Conservation. Half-day hikes, now $2.50 will rise to $5, and trips that use department vehicles will increase from $15 to a price still to be decided. Senior conservation officer for the Whakapapa sub-distriCt, Mr Graeme Ayres, says the department has to charge more just to cover its costs. "The Whakapapa subdistrict expects a budget cut of $1 million this year because of overspending last year," he says. "This means charging for items previously given away." From April 14, pam-

phlets will cost 20 cents each, the Tongariro Journal $1.50, and the newspaper put out by the department twice a year will also be charged for. The department is also considering raising charges of the Whakapapa Motor Camp to bring them nearer to those of other camps. Mr Ayres says a task force in Wellington will be studying the revenue-earning potential of the Whakapapa area. "One solution may be to see some of our natural resources at competitive rates," he says. Pumice is one resource under consideration. Although the public will have to pay for some things, Mr Ayres says it will not have to pay to enter parks. "One of our principles is freedom of access to the parks, and we will not compromise this to earn money," he says.