Mayor: Lift trail guide ban

Commercial guided walks have been banned from the Hillary Trail since it opened on January 11. Photo / Natalie Slade

A ban on commercial guiding operations on the Hillary Trail in the Waitakere Ranges is depriving many people of the chance to experience the rugged beauty of a national asset, says Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

At a hearing of submissions on the Auckland Regional Council's draft regional parks management plan last week, Mr Harvey said only the "very fit" could complete the 70km trail as a four-day walk on Auckland's west coast by themselves, and he pleaded for commercial concessions.

Since the trail opened on January 11 - the second anniversary of the death of adventurer Sir Edmund Hillary - commercial guided walks have been banned by the ARC parks division.

"I've run the route many times but walking it was different - it's not an easy one," said the 69-year-old mayor, who is an active surf lifeguard.

It was too much for people to carry their packs, food and tents and stay out three nights in forest clearings without even a cold shower, he said.

He was disappointed the trail's potential as a visitor drawcard to benefit communities near it was being wasted and up to 10 jobs for guides lost.