'Lacklustre' season for tourism operators

One of the biggest tourism operators in Abel Tasman National Park is winding down early this season, with low visitor numbers and an early Easter being blamed for one of the worst seasons in recent years.

Abel Tasman Wilson's Experiences manager Darryl Wilson said a "lacklustre" season meant operators were laying off seasonal workers a month earlier than usual.

"Our staffing requirements would probably be about 30 per cent lower than this time last year."

Business had not picked up as hoped in the late summer months, and April had so far been flat, Mr Wilson said.

"Everyone's just hanging out for the school holidays in a few days' time."

Mr Wilson said it was difficult to gauge how much the downturn had affected his business, as its structure had changed from last year. But he said colleagues were talking of a 15 to 20 per cent drop.

He believed it was mainly New Zealanders who were staying away. Several factors, including the strong kiwi dollar and cheaper airfares luring New Zealanders overseas, had contributed to the slower season.

The downturn in visitor numbers was not confined to the park, he said.

"People I'm talking to in the industry are all experiencing the same things. I think it's pretty general."

Department of Conservation figures show lower overnight visitors to the park than usual in February and March.

While the exact number of visitors was not available, fewer hut beds and camping sites were occupied on a nightly basis.

Aqua Taxis and Kaiteriteri Kayaks manager Regan Williamson estimatedthat his firm's business was down about 10 per cent during summer. He said poor weather at Christmas and Easter had reduced the numberof people visiting the park.

But Abel Tasman Water Taxis owner-manager Lyn Hadfield said records showed the Kaiteriteri-based company had actually ended the year"marginally up" on last year.

Mrs Hadfield said the season had picked up after a slow January.

She said there were "definitely" fewer backpackers around than inprevious years, and more independent travellers, particularlyAmericans, in campervans coming through the park.

"We are still running both boats like we did this time last year.It's still nice and steady."

- NZPA