Nelson MP Nic Smith today welcomed news the Department of Conservation was seeking public feedback on its proposal to trial mountain biking on the Heaphy Track.

"Mountain biking on the Heaphy Track has been a personal hobby horse of mine for over a decade," Nick Smith said. "This year I have been pushing hard for a change in the Kahurangi National Park Management Plan to allow for winter access for mountain biking in time for winter next year. I am delighted that DOC has included the proposal in its review of the plan.

"Twenty years ago kayaking in the Able Tasman National Park was regarded as a fringe activity. Today it injects more than $20 million a year into the Nelson region.

"Mountain biking is a growth activity in New Zealand and there is a real opportunity for tourism by allowing it on the Heaphy Track during the five-month winter visitor season and year round on the Flora Saddle to Barron Flat and Kill Devil tracks.

"I am glad that DOC is asking the public to have its say on this important issue. In my view mountain bikes need to be given a go on the Heaphy."