Trampers want better signs and cheap accommodation

Walkers on the Queen Charlotte Track in the Marlborough Sounds want better signs and higher-quality budget accommodation.

Those are the findings of Blenheim researcher Peter Sutton, who is coming to the end of a year-long project measuring track users' satisfaction and dissatisfaction for the Department of Conservation.

Nearly 2000 people have responded, or 5 to 6 per cent of track users, which makes it one of the most comprehensive surveys of its type in New Zealand.

While he has yet to statistically analyse the results, Mr Sutton's "gut feelings" are that the track caters for a wider range of users, including day walkers, hikers and mountain bikers, than many other walks. He believes this is because of the ease of access, accommodation options, and the option of having bags transported.

He says that while a "universally high" level of satisfaction was expressed, a key area users want improved is signs. Walkers also want better paper maps and more information.

Many of the negative comments expressed disappointment with the quality and service of budget accommodation.

There were also a few "niggles" about track quality, which some users attributed to damage from bikes, though Mr Sutton says other research has shown that bikes do not do more damage than walkers.

Generally, he says, walkers raved about the views, the environment and the track quality.

- NZPA