KEY POINTS:
Two skifields and a historic farming station fall within one of the most significant conservation parks opened in more than 20 years.
Conservation Minister Chris Carter will open the 67,000ha Hakatere Park, in mid-Canterbury, today, weaving together 19 separate areas of conservation land.
The huge area takes in the Hakatere Station, bought by the Government for $7.2 million, and Mt Hutt and Mt Potts skifields in an area made up of a picturesque landscape of mountains, lakes, rivers, wetlands and the habitat of several rare native species.
The area is already popular for trampers, skiers and hunters, and Lord of the Rings tours regularly take tourists through the region.
The public will have access to the Hakatere Station, with its stone cottage built in 1862, from next month.
"[The park] offers a truly New Zealand outdoor experience," said Mr Carter, "with almost endless recreational opportunities, including trout fishing and tramping."
