 About Hurunui - Wildlife & Recreation: |
Most New Zealanders identify very strongly with the high country and many venture, every opportunity they have, into the hinterland to tramp, climb, fish, hunt, mountain bike, kayak, raft or even do trail rides and pack trips.
As the pressure that increasing number of recreationalists and tourists impacts on these areas it has become necessary for the Department of Conservation to consult with interested parties including local government, conservation groups, recreational users and local iwi to prepare "management plans" for the areas that are under the department's control.
In the main most tourists do not have the time to visit the more out of the way places that New Zealand folk use for their recreation so there is not often any conflict in that way and most New Zealander’s are more than happy to share the high country with others as long as they respect and look after it. The positive effect that a well managed visitor industry can have on rural towns and their communities is now recognised and most local governments have acknowledged that they have a role to play in the development and planning of rural tourism.
One of the fastest growing sectors of the rural tourism is the "farmstay" where the visitor has the opportunity to experience life on the farm first hand. Farmstays also provide a good base for a number of recreational activities that the visitor may want to participate in the high country.
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