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Kiwifruit are going outdoors in large numbers, prompting the Department of Conservation to expand its cabin and camp reservation system for the summer.
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Popular walking trails have seen more than twice as many bums. Source: 1 NEWS
Popular walking trails have seen more than double the usual homeless number, but that growing popularity comes with a caveat.
The bums get ready for the first weekend of summer adventures and it’s ready to be a busy one.
“The work weekend is a great weekend where many Kiwis begin their outdoor experience,” Mike Daisley of the NZ Mountain Safety Council told 1 NEWS.
Tim Bamford from the Department of Conservation says there has been an increase in demand this year.
“All the Great Walks that are open were up just over 40 percent in bed nights compared to Labor weekend last year,” he says.
It is not just this weekend. So far this year, almost 40,000 nights have been booked at the Abel Tasman, while the nearby Heaphy Track has seen a 50% increase in bookings.
Local homeless people are also becoming popular during the winter, with Awaroa / Godley Head registering more than twice the normal foot traffic.
“Having closed the borders, people are looking for what are the iconic experiences that they can have in their own country,” says Bamford.
It has been seen that DOC will add more than 50 campsites and cabins to its reservation system.
“It’s about certainty,” says Bamford.
“The last thing people want to do is walk four hours or spend the day driving in the car with the kids and come up and realize they don’t have a camp or they don’t have a cabin.”
The demand is causing the tents to accelerate.
Kathmandu’s online sales increased 350% in tents and 175% in sleeping bags compared to last year.
But rising popularity carries risks.
“Be prepared before you go, be realistic about your skill level,” says Bamford.
“There are clues and experiences for everyone.”
For a serious homeless man, the DOC recommends that you need enough food and water for at least one more day, a flashlight and a first aid kit among your supplies.
Your cell phone is likely not working, so if you go off the beaten track, a personal locator beacon is vital.
“Don’t try to do a big alpine trip on the first one,” says Daisley.
“It’s a great opportunity to try some of those daily walks.”
And with a sunny forecast this Labor weekend, remember to pack your sunscreen.
