Investment package to boost Glacier Country tourism
Investment package to boost Glacier Country tourism
The West Coast’s Glacier Country will receive a significant investment to boost the area’s spectacular visitor attractions, Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis and Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage announced today.
The $3.9 million investment is funded by the International Visitor Tourism and Conservation Levy (IVL), as part of the Government’s plan for sustainable tourism.
The package will help support the Fox River area following the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) decision not to reopen the access road to Te Moeka o Tuawe/the Fox River valley.
“From the Tasman Sea through old growth, lowland rainforests to the snow-capped peaks of Kā Tiritiri o te Moana/the Southern Alps, South Westland is one of the most striking places on earth,” Eugenie Sage said.
“This investment recognises that and opens up new opportunities for visitors to experience this special part of New Zealand.”
DOC, with support from Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, Westland District Council, MBIE and the local community, identified the package of attractions to sustain tourism in the area and build the Glacier Country’s economic resilience.
The package includes:
o Redesigning the Fox
Glacier/Te Moeka o Tuawe experience and valley walks and
creating a carpark and cycle/walkway for access to the south
side of the valley and glacier views, and building trails to
connect existing facilities.
o Collaborating with Ngāi
Tahu and Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio to develop a day walk to
Lake Gault, which has reflection views of the mountains and
forests and will incorporate rowi kiwi and lowland forest
stories. This walk extends the walking options at Lake
Matheson.
o Developing and promoting the easy access
Peak Viewpoint which offers stunning views of the Southern
Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.
o Re-opening the coastal
walkway to Galway Beach which provides a mix of alpine
views, coastal forests, wetlands and wildlife.
o
Extending the cycle/walking trail on Cook Flat Rd from Fox
Glacier township to Lake Matheson.
o Re-configuring
car-parking at Lake Matheson to provide for additional users
displaced from the glacier valley.
o Refreshing road
signage and visitor information.
“While the valley’s dynamic geology and climate creates dramatic landscapes, it and the intense March storm event, have caused the loss of walking and road access to the terminal face of Fox Glacier.”
Eugenie Sage made the announcement at Lake Matheson near Fox Glacier township on Saturday. She highlighted the importance of the investment to supporting sustainable tourism on the West Coast.
“The government is committed to supporting the area at this time through investing in diverse, enduring and exceptional experiences in nature,” said Eugenie Sage.
“Westland is still wide open for business. This investment will increase the many ways that visitors can enjoy Fox Glacier and the wider region, despite the closure of the glacier valley access road.”
Kelvin Davis said the early IVL investment means that the majority of this work can start immediately and will be completed this summer.
“Tourism is important to the West Coast and we’re committed to ensuring that tourism continues to benefit communities, visitors and the environment long into the future,” said Kelvin Davis.
ENDS