From: "Keith Blayney" <k.blayney@bitworks.co.nz>

To: "Editor The Daily News" <Editor@dailynews.co.nz>

Subject: Attracting Tramper to Taranaki - correction

Date: Tuesday, February 29, 2000 12:18

While it is good to see DOC planning an upgrade and promotion of a 2-3 day Northern Circuit tramp, it remains frustrating that the main attraction for backpacking tourists, the mountain itself, continues to be undervalued and in parts, quite neglected.

The Egmont National Park Draft Management Plan recognises the need to cater to the "Short Stop" type tourist but implies trampers are likely to be New Zealanders and are given less priority. Erosion and costs seem to discourage DOC from providing information and facilities for the Around-the-Mountain and Summit routes.

To encourage the tramping tourist dollar, there needs to be a range of options advertised and available, not just an easy Northern Circuit. Many wish to come to walk around and/or climb Mt Taranaki (Egmont) as well, but are discouraged by lack of information and basic facilities. A toilet on the Northern Summit Route, "three wire" wet weather bridging of each stream, maintenance of ladders & steps, and regular Community Service or Task Force Green labour to prevent tracks overgrowing and eroding don't sound very expensive. A Circuit and Summit brochure detailing the routes, dangers etc could easily be printed to match the Northern Circuit brochure DOC is bound to produce.

The fact that the south-western section of the circuit is difficult shouldn't be an excuse for DOC to neglect it further. Just give it a challenging name like the steep Northern access road (The Puffer) and the Hollyford Track's Demon Trail. Any suggestions?

Dr Keith Blayney
PO Box 447
Hawera
(06) 2785189 or 025 445 135
K.Blayney@bitworks.co.nz