Fair allocation process for commercial activities in Abel Tasman and Kaiteriteri

Introduction

Existing concessions for commercial activities at a number of locations in Abel Tasman and Kaiteriteri are due to expire 30 April 2027.

All land and water-based commercial activity on public conservation land requires a concession issued by DOC. The management plans for the Abel Tasman National Park, Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve (gazetted as Abel Tasman Scenic Reserve) and Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve specify limits on the amount of commercial activity at each of these locations.

Existing concessions for the following types of activity within the Abel Tasman National Park/Abel Tasman Scenic Reserve and Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve are due to expire 30 April 2027:

  • Water-based activities including guided kayaking, guided waka trips, water taxi, charter boats, cruise ship activity and floating accommodation in the Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve/Abel Tasman Scenic Reserve.
  • Land-based guided walking on the Abel Tasman Coast Track and associated facility use in the Abel Tasman National Park.
  • Water-based activities including guided kayaking, water taxi, charter boats, SUP, and waka ama in the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve.

DOC wants to consider the future of these concession types within these places in a fair and consistent manner, by way of an “allocation process”.

We are taking steps to “carry out other actions that may encourage specific applications” pursuant to 17ZG(2)(a) of the Conservation Act 1987. These actions include consulting with existing concessionaires and working with iwi and others to inform the allocation process.

Temporary restrictions on new applications for Land and Water-based commercial activities

The process under section 17ZG(2)(a) means that, as of the date of this notice, 24 September 2024, no new applications for the specified commercial activities at the above locations can be considered, unless the application is consistent with the allocation process.

Existing concessions will continue according to their current terms and conditions until expiry on 30 April 2027.

What happens next

DOC will initially be seeking expressions of interest from parties interested in holding concessions from 1 May 2027 for activities at these locations. More information relating to the EOI will follow shortly.

DOC will use the results of the EOI, along with consultation with existing operators, iwi and other interested parties to determine the precise form of the allocation process.

Contact

If you have a question regarding this process, email mtownsend@doc.govt.nz