Tourism boom at our expense

By STEVE HART travel editor

For many visitors New Zealand is a cut-price destination, but I'm starting to think that prices for some tourist attractions are artificially high and often out of reach of the average New Zealand family.

During my jaunts to popular tourist destinations I've noticed the lack of fellow residents among the tour groups. Now one more attraction is as good as off-limits to the average New Zealander - Mt Tarawera in Rotorua.

The lease-owner of this mountain now wants $110 a person for a half-day escorted tour. Two years ago the cost was $2 and before that it was free.

The decision to raise the price was that of Stephen Collins, owner of Mt Tarawera New Zealand Ltd. He basically said it all when he was quoted in the Herald: "The market we are after is not local, and international visitors won't have a problem with it [the price]."

He's made the right business decision if he wants to cash in on tourism - he has access to an asset and is controlling who uses it and the duration of their stay. He's priced out the locals and is aiming specifically at the visiting tourist.

I fully understand the reasons behind the decision. It's purely business; he wants more profit and who can blame him for that?

With the price rise, a family of four will have to hand over $440 to enjoy something that was once affordable to all. To visitors from abroad the cost may not be too much of an issue. For someone from England the cost for four people to tour Mt Tarawera will be around £140 - still not cheap, and I wonder whether Collins has priced his asset too high.

The trouble is, Collins is not the only one. Almost all tourist attractions are geared up for the foreign tourist, which often means their products and experiences are out of reach for the majority of residents.

For example, the walking tour across Auckland's harbour bridge costs $125 a person - okay, it's not what one might call a family event, but would the average New Zealander hand over that amount of cash?

The view from the top of the bridge may be wonderful, but I bet it's not much different to standing on Mt Victoria in Devonport - which can be done for free and you can take the family and a picnic.

Standing on Mt Victoria also offers a view similar to that offered by the viewing platforms at the Sky Tower - where entry costs $39 for a family pass (two adults, two children).

The price may be able to be justified, but once you've walked around the platforms and seen the views, it's all over. The best part is the thrill of the ascent in the lift.

Want to bungy jump from the Sky Tower? That'll cost $195.

Again, the organisers, Sky Jump, have pitched the price at what the market can stand. Presumably enough people will do it for the operation to be profitable, but not so many as to make it so popular that people are disappointed because they can't get in. It's the business balancing act - but that's no comfort to locals who fancy having a go but can't justify stumping up almost $200.

Kelly Tarltons in Auckland is popular with children, but a visit - which typically lasts no more than two hours - costs $55 for a family pass (two adults and two children).

While there are exciting aspects to the centre, children (in my experience) can't wait to get to the gift shop after riding the snowcat.

One icon of Auckland is Rangitoto. But if you want to take a ferry across and then the tractor ride to the summit you need to pay $49 an adult and $25 a child.

The tractor ride is optional, but often necessary if there are very young or less mobile people in your group who want to get to the top without walking far.

However, it can be a good day out, especially when the weather is fine.

And, as with all these ventures, there's the expense of picnic food and incidentals for the children - so add $10 for each person for food and drink. It all adds up.

With school holidays coming up, how can the average family show their children all the fun New Zealand has to offer?

Perhaps a scheme needs to be adopted whereby ratepayers or New Zealand passport holders get discounts - say a third or half off the price. But would private enterprises want to do this and lose profit? Doubtful.

Tourism generates thousands of jobs, it's good for the country and good for the people - but wouldn't it be even better if the people who live here could experience the same delight as visitors?

* Readers are welcome to suggest best value and free outings for a mention in travel.

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