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Waitaki Catchment Recreation and Tourism Activities - Written Report

1 Executive Summary

2 Introduction

3 Overview Studies

4 Mt Cook National Park

5 Upper Catchment: Mackenzie (above Omarama)

6 Lower Catchment: Waimate and Waitaki Districts (Below Omarama)

7 Recreation Preferences, Conflicts and Satisfaction

8 New Zealand Tourism Preferences and Product Assessment

9 Effects of Changing Water Use

10 Future Recreation and Tourism Trends

References

Appendix: Reported Fishing Days for the Waitaki Catchment

6.3 Tourism activities

6.3.1 Tourism summary

View tourism summary (large table)

6.3.2 Tourism information

Susan Houston (Tourism Waitaki)

Tourism Waitaki has visitor surveys from 2001 (discussed below) and they are mainly domestic tourists. Tourism Waitaki uses the brand 'naturally better'.

Waitaki is not considered an international destination. There were 292,000 bed nights in the last 12 months. Tourism Waitaki is currently planning with Kingsgate Hotel to develop Oamaru as a focal point for trips (Dunedin, Mt Cook etc). They are trying to make the most of the upper Waitaki - salmon and Ohau skiing. This initiative is part of a $1 million push. Looking at eco-tourism centre and making the most of fossil world at Duntroon and heritage of the surrounding area. Also focusing on the dams as an attraction.

Two markets are international/Australian and domestic - regional. The international market does not know about the river and does not stop on it. The value of the river is for locals and not internationals. Tourism Waitaki see future in development and this will affect local recreation but won't affect international tourist market.

Tourism Waitaki do not have a lot of information about visitors' experiences. It is believed there are not many visiting at the moment. Do not know what will be altered about the visitor's experience if water allocation changes. Belief that there is nothing in the river that cannot be found somewhere else.

Susan sees fishing as a local activity and does not see that tourism is a large deciding factor - river is a through route at the moment.

Julie Familton (Tourism Waitaki)

About 10 operators at Tourism Waitaki Operator networking meeting made comments about tourism visitors and use of the river. Many said they help plan their visitors' itinerary. The comment was made that many are interested in nature tours and move from Kaikoura to penguins to Taiaroa Heads albatross.

Sinclair Knight Mertz. 2004. Draft National Cost Benefit Analysis of Proposals to Take Water from the Waitaki River. Ministry of Economic Development.

"The major objective of the national cost benefit analysis is to identify the 'economic value-added' to the national economy generated by alternative applications of the water resource." (Sinclair Knight Mertz, 2004, p. 1)

The Sinclair Knight Mertz (SKM) report discusses the impact of increased irrigation on tourism. It notes that there are generic impacts to farming operations which have the potential to impact recreation. These are predicted to have a greater impact on recreation than the water extraction itself. The high value placed on water-based recreation in the catchment highlights the need for careful mitigation (Sinclair Knight Mertz, 2004, p. 124).

"If chemical and effluent runoff and seep to waterways from intensively farmed land can be managed, then there are unlikely to be any significant effects on the main recreation activities within the Waitaki Catchment." (Sinclair Knight Mertz, 2004, p. 125)

The Sinclair Knight Mertz (SKM) report does not place any value in the current Mackenzie country dry landscape which would be changed by irrigation. The report simply debates if green pastures would be a more attractive landscape for visitors (Sinclair Knight Mertz, 2004, p. 125). The contribution of the Mackenzie barren landscape to the visitor experience cannot be known without asking visitors. The effect of increased irrigation on future recreation use in general cannot be fully understood without further research.

The SKM report discusses the value irrigation may add to tourism. Viticulture and a wine industry is the main option discussed. While a wine industry and its value are discussed in general terms the report states that an assessment cannot be made on the current data (Sinclair Knight Mertz, 2004, pp. 125-126).

The SKM report also discusses the effects of the hydro-electricity development relative to the Project Aqua proposal. The specifics of the project will not be repeated here. These were considered the negative impacts of the development: it would limit the use of the river by high skilled jet boaters; reduce the big river angling experience and increase the overall level of dust entrainment from the riverbed; decrease wetland habitat and bird species; increase conflict between recreation users. These were considered the positive aspects of the project: it would increase the accessibility to the river for less experienced anglers who don not appreciate the big river experience; increase the safety of the river for some activities (swimming) (Sinclair Knight Mertz, 2004, p. 131).

The SKM report also discusses existence values and states: "As noted above, it is recommended that a study of these existence values be undertaken in order that the full picture of impacts can be made" (Sinclair Knight Mertz, 2004, p. 132).

Malcolm Anderson and Aoraki Development Trust

Alternative touring route

The Aoraki Development Trust and Malcolm are involved with four councils - Mackenzie, Timaru, Waitake, and Waimate - in developing a touring route connecting places beyond Omarama and linking with the Maori rock art story in Timaru. The route would focus on telling the culture and heritage stories of the area. The route is likely to take in Timaru > Oamaru > Kurow > Omarama > Twizel >Fairlie > Wanaka/Queenstown.

Malcolm made the comment that there is need for more research into current visitors' experiences. All that is known presently is the basic information from Transit State Highway 82 and 83 road counts. There is little known about visitors' experiences. In particular, there is little known about what things visitors find interesting, what people are currently doing and the potential in terms of culture and heritage tourism in the future.

Mike Gray (Chairman, 'Way Forward' committee)

The 'Way Forward' committee was formed in March 2004 with an open meeting in Kurow. The group is developing a number of community initiatives. The group's purpose is to facilitate economic and social development in the rural communities of the Upper Waitaki Valley.

The vision for the valley in 20 years is: weed free, better access to the river, better recreation, better tourism, vibrant towns. The Way Forward committee is developing a strategic plan. Their desire is to get a co-ordinator for all projects. They are developing a project action plan for each project and intend to achieve goals in stages. The 12-month goal is to have a coordinator in place to help develop the following projects.

Kurow to Duntroon walkway

The committee is planning to put a walkway along the old Ministry of Works road from Kurow to Duntroon - it gave access in the past and the desire is to return it. It would open up access for walkers, anglers and cyclists. It would be developed in stages.

Kurow Island

At Kurow the committee is looking to open up access to the island with Waitaki District Council, Meridian, Canterbury Regional Council and DoC. Looking to clean up the site and stage opening up the island to enable picnicking and access for anglers.

Kurow and Waitaki Dam project

There has been a desire for a while to open up the Waitaki Dam as an historic dam as it was the last dam built with pick and shovel. Not having a spill way and the water going over the top of the dam is another feature. The community would drive the project. A problem at the moment is the narrowness of the road for buses but this can be overcome. The Benmore Dam story is more about the physics and engineering of building dams and this would be more about the social history of things such as the beginning of social welfare in New Zealand. The concept was previously explored with Meridian Energy but this process has currently lapsed.

Duntroon

At Duntroon there is an aim to develop a wetland. There was a wetland in the Project Aqua proposal and there is a hope within the community that this can still be achieved in the future.

The Vanished World and Fossil Centre is another feature of Duntroon.

Alternative highway route

In general there is the aim to have the alternative route concept down State Highway 83 as a tourist route. The committee is looking for a branding 'go Waitaki valley'. Is currently a popular route for campervans. Themes in each town: Otematata 'that dam town' - history of workers and the village; Duntroon a Scottish theme - currently a blacksmith store and historic gaol. Attempt to increase the route's features and make it more interesting. River was initially the highway then the road and then rail and the aim is to make the most of this history.

Historically one of the features along the road is the Maori rock art.

The growth in tourism (as measured by overnight guest nights) within the Waitaki region has not kept pace with the Queenstown/Lakes - Central Otago.

The Tourism Research Council has not completed a 10-year forecast study for the Waitaki Regional Tourism Organisation so it is not possible to base predictions on this source as it is in the upper catchment.

Oamaru I - Site information centre

Visitor numbers to the information centre in Oamaru have more than doubled since 1998. The statistics show that more than 70,000 visitors entered the information centre in the 2002-2003 year. The counts for January show that visits increased considerably within that month from 9508 in 2002 to 11,102 in 2003.

Kurow information centre visitor numbers

Visitors are recorded by manually counting visitors who enter the centre.

Paid and complementary Vanished World centre visitors

Most popular activities

"NB: The penguin colonies and the historic precinct were not offered as an option in this survey. In the author's opinion, if they were they would have been among the top four or five activities." (Oamaru I - Site information centre report)

More than 40% of all visitors have been to Christchurch before their visit and another 24% continue to Christchurch after their visit. Dunedin (17%), Mt Cook (16%) and Queenstown (12%) are other popular destinations with visitors entering the visitor centre in Oamaru (Oamaru I - site information centre report).

"The huge popularity of Canterbury with visitors before they reach the Waitaki probably reflects its status as the South Island's main tourist hub." (Oamaru I - site information centre report)

The most popular means of transport to Waitaki were: car - rental 45.6%; car - private 24.2%; campervan 17.7%; bus or coach 7.9%. Note that visitors on coach tours are less likely to complete this type of survey so may not reflect the actual transport form proportions (Oamaru I - site information centre report).

Transit New Zealand road use figures

Transit New Zealand road counts for Waitaki Valley roads are contained in the table below.

View Transit New Zealand road use figures (large table)

Roger Blackburn (Vanished World)

Vanished World is in its third year of operation as a trail and second year as a visitor centre. The trail was set up by people in the local community, community employment group and Otago University.

The Visitor Centre is at Duntroon and the trail starts at Waimakarua and runs down the coast to Oamaru before going inland to Duntroon. The trail covers a particular period in history from about 23-34 million years ago - the eocene period. The sites visited are where some significant fossils have been recovered.

The Vanished World trail is a heritage trail with interpretation boards in different areas that describe the different geology and shapes they are seeing. The trail takes in the sites near Duntroon: Elephant Rocks; Anatini and Earthquakes.

The period covered is significant for changes occurring to penguins, a range of dolphins that are now extinct, and changes occurring to whales. A main reason participants follow the route is that during the period of time covered the land visited was under the sea and so people have to imagine they are under the sea.

The Vanished World Centre and the trail work together. The centre gives the highest level of interpretation. The centre concentrates on local and national geology and things that relate the period of time covered. Products are sold with the centre's logo on and no doubt the trail and centre will grow in popularity.

Centre developers are working on a relationship with the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony who promote the blue and yellow eyed penguins and so the fossil penguins have been linked as part of a package.

The Vanished World Centre and trail are trying to market to 'geotourists' - a niche market. There are similar centres in the United States, Canada and England. The market they are attempting to tap into is based on the belief that the older population is trying to learn more about history.

Through the Vanished World project the area is telling its own unique story and connects with heritage stories based around limestone. The other major geological feature in the area is the Moeraki Boulders which is an old tourist attraction and so forms a nice link with the trail.

Neil Thorpe (Danseys Pass Holiday Park)

Danseys Pass Holiday Park is experiencing considerable growth. This is believed to be a result of more people choosing to travel through the Waitaki Valley. This growth has been noticeable in the last three years.

In 1998, 1000 bed nights recorded at the park. In 2004 Danseys Pass Holiday Park experienced 2000 visitors with an average stay of 3.4 nights which equates to 6800 bed nights. In 2001, there was believed to be 50,000 vehicles using Danseys Pass.

The growth is due to the increased appreciation of the Central Otago area, including places like Naseby for activities such as mountain biking. Visitors using Danseys Pass Holiday Park are interested in experiencing activities such as gold panning, walking, trekking, mountain biking, horse riding, forest and bird and back to basics 'kiwi camping' and are not sedentary holiday makers who just want to relax.

Danseys Pass Holiday Park also has many visits from school and field trips.

Other operators (activities) in Waitaki District

Activities listed in local brochures

There are various trails outlined in different brochures which guide people through the Waitaki Valley taking in places of interest. These include the Kurow trail and the Ocean to Alps trail.

The Waitaki Valley Brochure describes the valley: "The valley is a popular spot for people who like fishing, and for boating enthusiasts. The area is a 'sportsman's paradise with the fabulous lakes on the Waitaki River. Visitors flock form through New Zealand and overseas to enjoy outdoor pursuits and tranquillity."

Fishing guiding

Fishing is an activity undertaken by visiting overseas tourists. It is difficult to accurately quantify the number of fisher days because the National Angler Survey does not currently include them in its survey sample. This is the overview given from the National Angler Survey:

Country of origin data were available for 8 127 overseas licence holders, representing a total of 82 nationalities. Numerically, the most common regions/countries of origin were Oceania (primarily Australia) and North America (primarily the US), followed by the British Isles, Southeast Asia (primarily Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Hong Kong), and Europe (Table 6). Most overseas visitors (82% of the total) purchased a short-season licence, particularly those from Southeast Asia and Oceania. By contrast, European anglers (over half of whom came from just four of the 23 European countries represented: Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, and the Netherlands) were much more likely to invest in a whole-season licence. (p. 26)

Landscape

Densem G. 2004. Waitaki Landscape Study. Waitaki District Council.

Landscape and scenery is important to visitors to New Zealand. "Visitor interest in a particular activity is driven by a number of different features of that activity ... the location the activity is set in - one of the main reasons visitors choose to come to New Zealand is because of the scenery. For this reason the area an activity is in can have a big influence on the decision to do an activity" (AC Nielsen, 2002, pp. 6-7).

The effect landscape and scenery has on visitors' experiences in the lower Waitaki Catchment is not known. Specific research is needed to be able to assess the importance it plays in visitors' experiences at the moment and how changing landscape appearance through water use could impact experiences.

The following excerpts are from a recent landscape study of the catchment by Graham Densem.

Benmore land unit

Values:

A second major value is the 'Benmore hydro' landscape which is nationally regarded both as New Zealand's premier engineering project of the 1960s and 1970s and for the considerable landscape features that have resulted. Significant features within this land unit are the Benmore Dam, and Lakes Benmore and Ruataniwha. While Lake Benmore undeniably obliterated an outstanding reach of the Waitaki River, it in itself constitutes an impressive landscape feature. Its values result from:

• the human-dwarfing scale of Benmore Dam itself and the sensed 'tension' of the massive head of water it holds back;
• the 'power-house of New Zealand' identity;
• the graphic shapes created by the horizontal water surface and its interlacing with the complex natural hillsides along its shoreline;
• the sense of contrast between the smooth horizontal lake surface and the steep, rugged, complex land forms;
• the unique vivid turquoise water colour (under bright light conditions) and its contrast with the calm dun-coloured landforms. (Densem, 2004, p. 43)

Lower Waitaki Valley

Values:

• The Waitaki River, referring to its bed and flood plain, is in a significantly modified state, particularly through its controlled flood regimes. The bed continues to display characteristic braided forms, but in reduced range and width from its pre-hydro dam days before the 1930s. Islands and margins of the river are invaded by weeds such as broom and willow. However, although modified, the Waitaki River retains a moderate sense of its former grandeur, derived from its size and surviving natural patterns. To this landscape value should be added the takata whenua cultural values mentioned above. An additional value of the Waitaki River is the central defining identity and pride which it engenders in the present day North Otago community. The remaining natural values of the Waitaki River, combined with both the Maori traditional cultural value and the modern day North Otago identity value comprise a landscape of significant value. Were the Waitaki River still in an unaltered state it would be likely to constitute an outstanding landscape. (Densem, 2004, p. 43)