KEY POINTS:
The ever-increasing popularity of Abel Tasman has forced the Department of Conservation to impose restrictions on commercial activities in New Zealand's smallest national park.
A new management plan for the park near Nelson has been put in place for the next 10 years.
It has set a limit of no more than 66 commercial trips per day by kayak or other self-propelled vessel and a maximum of 50 people per day on guided walking trips.
Guided walkers use a mix of both private accommodation and DOC huts and campgrounds.
They have to book and pay on the same basis as freedom walkers.
DOC introduced a booking system for its own huts for the summer seasons in 1999. It was extended to cover huts and campgrounds year-round in 2005.
The management plan was developed following public consultation which considered 277 submissions, said Nelson/Marlborough Conservation Board chairwoman Judy Hellstrom.
It was then approved by the New Zealand Conservation Authority.
The plan has also given the go-ahead to mountain-biking on a trial basis. Bikers will be restricted to the park's inland track during the winter season for two years, after which a decision will be made on whether to make it a permanent option.
"Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest national park but it has high visitation that requires careful management in order to protect the natural characteristics for which the park is so highly valued," Ms Hellstrom said.
The plan restricts certain commercial activities to Anchorage, Bark Bay, Onetahuti and Totaranui which have the facilities to cope with higher numbers of visitors.
There will be less or no commercial activity in other bays and areas of the park, enabling these to provide a quieter natural setting for visitors.
- NZPA
