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Heli-hunting in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Submission period is now closed

The Department is considering an amendment to the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park Management Plan (2004), to allow for 'heli-hunting' within parts of the Murchison, and possibly the Godley, valleys.

A draft background paper was prepared, setting out the facts to consider before deciding to go ahead with seeking an amendment. Public comment was sought to determine whether all relevant issues have been included.

The department will consider comments and consult with the Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board, before deciding whether to proceed with seeking an amendment to the plan.

Background

Heli-hunting has emerged as a recreational tourist activity fast gaining in popularity within the South Island. It has potential to contribute to wild-animal control, either directly through animal removal or through providing revenue for other animal control operations.

It has now been confirmed that heli-hunting is already occurring without authorisation within the park. The Department's response can either be one of difficult prohibition enforcement or to seek to manage the activity.

The proposal raises several issues regarding aircraft use within the park, including interactions with ground-based and other aircraft-assisted visitors to the park, consistency with the plan's allowance for other aircraft users, and regarding wild-animal control outcomes. These are addressed in this paper.

Heli-hunting in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park discussion paper (PDF, 167K)

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Fax: +64 3 365 1388
Email: canterburyco@doc.govt.nz
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Christchurch 8053
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Christchurch 8140

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