Voice of the visitor to guide new walks partnership

The Department of Conservation (DOC) and Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) have joined forces to promote a range of short and day walks.

Combined research by the two organisations that aims to better understand exactly what kinds of walks New Zealanders and international visitors are seeking is set to get underway and, once finalised, the research results will be used along with iwi, community and stakeholder feedback to help inform what existing walks might be further promoted. These will be in areas that both meet visitor needs and are ready and willing to host more visitors.

DOC Director Tourism, Recreation and Heritage, Gavin Walke stated “we know there is demand for a range of shorter or less challenging walking options to go alongside our Great Walks and help alleviate pressures at high use sites.

“The aim is to cater for a wider pool of visitors and enable them to engage with and appreciate New Zealand’s natural environment.

“Our partnership with TNZ aligns well with DOC’s work to put visitors at the heart of the natural experiences we offer. With a better understanding of what people want, we can promote a range of walks that meet different needs such as time, level of fitness and skill.”

New Zealand’s landscapes and scenery are a key attraction for international visitors. Over one-third of New Zealand, including our highly visited national parks, is managed by DOC.

TNZ’s Director Trade, PR and Major Events Rene de Monchy adds “enhancing the visitor experience, sharing expertise and partnering is a key part of our new strategy and our work with DOC is that in action, Rene de Monchy.

“Tourism New Zealand is well versed at conducting visitor research and has a good understanding of what visitors are after. It’s great to be able to share our expertise and work with DOC to promote some walks that will really cater to people’s needs and wants.”

In line with the New Zealand Government’s Tourism Strategy, the project also works to extend the visitor season and encourage visitors into regions keen to benefit from increased tourism.

Image: The Big Omaha Trail.

15th June 2017 - RECORD NUMBERS TAKE TO NEW ZEALAND’S NATIONAL WALKING TRAIL

5th June 2017 - VOLUNTEERS HIT THE TRAILS IN DUNEDIN 

12th May 2017 - DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION TO RAISE CHARGES FOR OVERSEAS VISITORS WALKING NEW ZEALAND’S TRAILS 

6th January 2017 - OUTDOOR SAFETY CODE KEY TO PARTICIPANT SAFETY 

26th November 2016 - TRAIL BLAZING INITIATIVE TO BOOST RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES

4th September 2016 - AWARDS RECOGNISE NEW ZEALAND’S OUTDOOR ACHIEVERS AND ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS

5th April 2016 - SURVEY SUGGESTS NEW ZEALANDERS PREFER WALKING TO RUGBY

30th October 2014 - NZRA TO PLAY GREATER ROLE IN OUTDOOR RECREATION