Objective number 1 says the rules will ensure the rights, interests and values of Poutini Ngāi Tahu to natural heritage areas and features are protected, and that the ability to exercise kaitiakitanga (guardianship, care) and tino rangatiratanga (chiefly authority) are maintained and enhanced. Iwi representative Paul Madgwick said the review of rules for activities on the surface of water was a chance to rethink the use of motorboats on the West Coast. Jet boats and jet skis could be kept away from some slow-moving, spring-fed streams used for food gathering, and rivers important for cultural reasons, he said. “I don t see any need for them all to be open slather for jet boats – there are plenty of other rivers for them to get their thrills on.”
12 more gorgeous New Zealand retreats
22 Feb, 2021 05:00 PM
9 minutes to read
Skyscape s stellar location in the Ben Ohau range is perfect for stargazing. Photo / Supplied
NZ Herald
Jessica Cameron
If you, like many, are breathing a sigh of relief that the hectic summer holiday period is over, you might just be in need of a retreat.
Whatever you re looking for when you re away from it all - we ve rounded up the best retreats across the country.
SkyScape, Mackenzie
Taking full advantage of the location of their family s sheep station in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Preserve, Bridget and Bevan Newlands were inspired to build accommodation that would feel like lying in the tussocks and gazing up at the stars . The result was SkyScape, an architecturally stunning structure constructed almost entirely of glass that allows you to stargaze from bed.
GO NZ: Hokitika holiday highlights - what to see, do and where to stay
16 Feb, 2021 05:00 PM
7 minutes to read
Conservative estimates have the Hokitika of the gold rush-crazy 1860s being the proud owner of no less than 100 pubs. Less conservative estimates place the number closer to 200. Either way, in what was a booming population of 25,000 transient souls looking to find fortune in those rich West Coast soils, whether your pub-to-person ratio was 1:250 or 1:125, you were unlikely to have gone thirsty.
All of which can be gleaned from the history lesson that comes free when you stay at the Hokitika Fire Station Apartments, a place with a history that dates back to those gold-digging, beer-swilling days. With all those pubs n people crammed together in hastily-built quarters, fire was an ever-present risk. Indeed, in an ironic divine act, the town s first fire station once burnt to the ground after a lightning strike.
Wednesday, 23 December, 2020 - 10:34
COVID-19 has impacted visitor patterns across conservation areas but all indications point to more New Zealanders getting into their great outdoors this summer than ever before, Department of Conservation (DOC) data shows. DOC’s Director-General, Lou Sanson says many New Zealanders are looking to nature for escape and relaxation during these unprecedented times. As we say goodbye to 2020, DOC is working to ensure everyone can have fantastic and restorative experiences outdoors over the summer and asks that people ensure they are also putting in the effort to prepare well for their trips, visit respectfully and keep themselves and their families safe. Some regions are busier than before COVID-19-notably those within three hours’ drive of major population centres. Some places, such as Northland and Coromandel, are experiencing high visitor growth despite no international visitors.