Visitors - including locals - will soon have to pay to walk around Hamurana Springs, with the iwi that owns the popular attraction set to introduce an entrance fee.
Ngati Rangiwewehi says the fee, which comes after 18 months of research, will help maintain the pristine area.
But some Hamurana locals are unhappy about the move and say it could have been handled a lot better.
Ngati Rangiwewehi communications spokesman Russell Harrison said it is not yet known how much the fee will be.
"We want to make sure that it's not prohibitive to people coming to experience what's out there," he said.
"We're in pretty deep discussions about understanding how we should set about placing a surcharge on entry for the walk, now that the iwi is directly responsible for the uptake, maintenance and care of that experience."
The 47 hectares of land around the springs were returned to Ngati Rangiwewehi in a Waitangi Tribunal settlement signed in 2015.
The same year Ngati Rangiwewehi placed researchers at the entrance of the Hamurana Springs to undertake head counts, gather feedback and collect data about the usage of the walkway.
"At the beginning of the conversation we naturally assumed it would be a higher intake of locals, but we were unaware of how many tourists are using that facility," Mr Harrison said.
"I think that was the benefit of doing research, it really clarified a lot of things for us."
Mr Harrison said a lot of thought had gone into how locals could still have access.
This could come in the form of 12-month pass, similar to Rainbow Springs or Te Puia.
"If we can replicate methodologies that locals are already comfortable with, then that transition won't be as uncomfortable as people expect," he said.
"We want to set the tariff to reflect the need for care and uptake, it's not about rape and pillage.
"Obviously there will be bumps and bruises along the way, but I think the backlash will only come from people who are uninformed."
The new fences and pay booth being constructed at the springs. Photo/Stephen Parker
In this first stage the golf course will not be included in the new levy.
"It is our intention to elevate the experience to a world-class business, but to do that we have to get the basics right first, get the core things right," Mr Harrison said.
"The income generated from that will allow us to build more and create a deeper connection, ensuring that the experience is everything it's supposed to be and more."
But Hamurana Ratepayers Association chairman Jerry Douglas said he was not happy with the way Ngati Rangiwewehi was treating the local people.
"A lot of locals walk through the springs every day.
"We've supported the iwi, maintained the springs as a society for the last 13 years and if they're going to treat us this way they're going to be told where to go."
Mr Douglas said he had received no communication and the situation could have been handled "a hell of a lot better".
A Hamurana bed and breakfast owner, who did not want to be named, agreed there had been no community engagement.
"We spent so much time making it beautiful, to have it where it is now and to be fenced off, it's just a bit stink."
She said she usually walked her dogs through the springs and often recommended the Springs to her guests.
"Once it's blocked off I'm not going to go back there again and I won't be recommending it, just out of principle," she said.
"We have been the ones doing the work for nothing and if people want to go for a walk they can just go to the Redwoods or Okere Falls for free."
Rotorua Lakes Council councillor Charles Sturt, who holds the portfolio for sport and recreation, said the land was privately owned, so whether it be an iwi group or any other land owner they could do what they liked.
The Rotorua Daily Post asked the council's communications team for comment from Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick on the introduction of a fee. However Mrs Chadwick did not think it was appropriate to comment.
