Posts Tagged ‘Great Walks’

Mining in the Kahurangi National Park

Monday, March 8th, 2010

I note that some people are upset that the Government is talking of accessing the copper and zinc deposits that are believed to lie in the depths of the Kahurangi National Park.  This park is home to one of our Great Walks, the Heaphy Track.

I am happy for our country’s wealth to be improved through accessing our natural resources such as copper and zinc, but how do we balance the natural resources of precious metals against the natural resources of walking trails in pristine areas?

What guarantee do we have that the mining of the Kahurangi National Park will not upset the environment of one of our Great Walks?

I guess the fact that over 40% of our country is administered by DOC means that we shouldn’t be precious about a portion of that being used for economic benefits.  If about half that area is regarded as sacrosanct, then they should go and get the minerals in the “other half” – as long as they don’t wreck any of our great walking trails, such as the Heaphy Track.  There should be enough DOC land to satisfy all our purposes.

City Walker

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Te Araroa – ever heard of it?

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

I thought I had. In fact I was sure I had been there. I checked the AA map and sure enough there it was – nestled on the East Cape – I had stopped in for a coke many years ago as I toured in that area on my bike. But Te Araroa – The Lomg Pathway – frankly, the town did not have a long street to its name yet alone  a long pathway!… and then I was enligtned

Te Araroa – The Long Pathway has had many descriptors attached to it

  • A true necklace of gems
  • New Zealands greatest citizen driven initiative
  • This country’s best kept secret
  • New Zealands National Trail

…and so they go on. None the wiser? Well have we got a surprise for you.

You see 20 odd years ago Geoff Chapple had a dream. Today that dream is all but complete – an off road walkway/ tramp that stretches 3000km from Cape Reinga in the the North to Bluff in the Deep South. It passes through 70 towns / 7 cities and some of the best scenery New Zealand has to offer. It includes some of the so-called Great Walks but for every Queen Charlotte Track and Tongariro Crossing that you can point to enroute, I can show you equally magnificent walking without the hoardes.

Geoff has written a book about it – but more importantly many thousands of people are out there walking it right now – people like John and Corrine (who are hiking the lot!!) or my next door neighbour – who is taking a stroll up the beach – and a coffee at either end.

You see that is the thing about Te Araroa. It probably passes right by your door; and you don’t have to walk the 3000 km’s to experience its magic. Find your piece of paradise and get onto it

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