Nick Smith - Nelson MP, Minister National Government

Smith welcomes Heaphy mountain bike winter approval

8 December 2010

Nelson MP Nick Smith today welcomed the decision from the New Zealand Conservation Authority today to allow winter mountain biking on the Heaphy Track.

"I'm a little frustrated that it has taken 10 years since I wrote to the Conservation Authority as Minister of Conservation in 1999 to get this rule changed, but welcome progress at last being made," Dr Smith said.

"Mountain on the Heaphy Track during winter is good news for Nelson in that it extends the outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors. Allowing biking in winter will help attract new visitors to the region at the quietest time of the year. Alongside kayaking in the Abel Tasman, this unique mountain bike track has the potential to become a new iconic Nelson activity.

"I'm quite confident that this won't cause major problems for trampers as the Heaphy track has such low usage during the winter months. Nor is there evidence that mountain bikers will do permanent damage to the track.

"Mountain biking has grown hugely in popularity over the last two decades and it is time it was better recognised and provided for.

"The Heaphy is such a stunning route that it will soon become the iconic mountain biking track," Dr Smith said.

ENDS