New Zealand walks tall in British poll
11 Apr 2008
British outdoor enthusiasts have voted with their feet, choosing New Zealand as their favourite walking destination.
Readers of a British walking website and well known ramblers’ magazine said they would rather take a tramp around New Zealand than other countries like Switzerland, France, America, Nepal and Canada.
New Zealand won the award for best walking place overseas in a poll of the readers of ‘Walk’ - the official magazine of Britain's Ramblers' Association. And users of the website outdoorsmagic.com also named the country Best International Destination in their annual awards.
New Zealand Alpine Club executive committee chairman Geoff Gabites said Britons were attracted by the wild country coupled with the ease of access. ''The walking terrain and the infrastructure that goes around it is pretty good and comfortable,'' he said.
''But then you have got the opportunity to get into some remote situations, albeit with a good hut to stay in. The other thing is the diversity of the terrain we have, from the rainforests to the high plains and volcanic areas.''
He said another plus was that British trampers might feel confident that if they did get into trouble, calling for help would be easier because their rescuers would speak English.
WALKERS’ PARADISE
The Department of Conservation (DOC) controls nearly 1000 mountain huts and more than 12,500km of tracks in New Zealand.
Conservancy community relations officer Sarah Mankelow of DOC Canterbury in the South Island, says New Zealand's size offers walkers a quick route into the wilderness.
''If you take Arthurs Pass, for example, you can fly in from Britain to Christchurch International, drive two hours and be in the middle of the rugged mountains, start from the side of the road and be in the wilderness in half an hour.''
Mankelow said although some tracks became very busy in the high season trampers could still find genuine solitude in many areas.
''We have spots that are really popular and do get crowded in summer. That's why there are restrictions in terms of hut tickets. You can still get to plenty of huts in the mountains at that time and have them to yourself.''
Autumn is considered a good time for New Zealand walks with slightly cooler temperatures and clear bright blue skies, dramatic autumn colours and perfect light for photography.
GREAT WALKS CAMPAIGN
Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) has recently launched a Great Walks campaign to try to attract British visitors to nine of New Zealand's most spectacular tracks.
Members of DOC travelled to an outdoor show in Britain recently to promote New Zealand as a walking destination and have also published blogs and reviews about the tracks on the internet.
''The UK is New Zealand's second largest market for visitors each year and, like those from all countries, they are drawn to New Zealand largely by its landscape and scenery,'' said TNZ chief executive George Hickton.
''The unique wildlife, stunning landforms and primitive bush and forest are things walkers cannot find elsewhere.''
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