Tourism Business Magazine

A novel approach to sustainability on the Queen Charlotte Track

December 21, 2007: A novel approach to sustainability has resulted in the installation of a dedicated ticket machine enabling track visitors to contribute to the future of an iconic New Zealand walk.

A media release from Destination Marlborough says the Queen Charlotte Track ‘Tribute' system is being launched today by the Minister of Tourism, Damien O'Connor.

The tribute is a voluntary $5 donation sought from those walking or biking the track. Visitors donate at a dedicated ticket machine at Picton Wharf close to the track departure point, receiving a ‘tribute' ticket in return.

"This initiative is a great example of community working together to identify a creative solution to ensuring the effective sustainable management of a natural area experiencing significant growth in visitor numbers," said the Minister.

One of New Zealand's iconic walks, the 71-kilometre track is unique in that it crosses both public and private land. The QCT Tribute will help to ensure that this arrangement can continue.

The Tribute concept was created by the Queen Charlotte Track Committee on behalf of tour operators and representatives from DOC, private landowners, Marlborough District Council, Destination Marlborough and local businesses.

Tributes will go directly towards infrastructure upgrades and future requirements, ensuring the safety of track visitors and tour operators and maintaining the social and environmental future of the track.

Rob Burn, chair of the Queen Charlotte Track Committee says: "The development of the QCT Tribute system will provide for the future of the track and allow us to acknowledge the important contribution made by private landowners who grant access to their land for the track to pass through. It is the partnership between private landowners, DOC and tour operators that creates the total Queen Charlotte Track experience."

"We know that visitors will see the benefit in helping ensure the track will always be a place of rare beauty and freedom. Feedback since the machine became operational in November has been very positive, with visitors only too happy to support the initiative."

Children under 18 and local residents will not be expected to contribute, although they are welcome to.