Reinstated walking access to Cathedral Cove in Coromandel is on the way as part of a $25 million cash injection into conservation efforts, the Government says.
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced the boost today, with one of the projects funded including reinstating walking access to Cathedral Cove — also known as Mautohe — after "terrible damage" from Cyclone Gabrielle.
While that is a longer-term solution, Potaka promised a "short-term fix" in time for summer — so holidaymakers were assured of returning to the popular spot in the warmer months.
The Department of Conservation website stated Cathedral Cove and the adjacent Hahei coastal area were "severely impacted by the extreme weather events of summer 2022-23, including Cyclone Gabrielle".
The weather had caused landslides and rockfall it said, as well as significant damage to the main walking track to Cathedral Cove beach.
The beach is currently accessible only by water. The Department's website showed it has considered multiple options for the future of access to the beach, including marine only, reinstating the current walkway, or rerouting it.
Potaka said the funding would also go towards eradicating pests from Auckland Island - Maukahuka.
He said that was a "key step in more than 30 years of work restoring this Subantarctic World Heritage area".
The islands — about 435km south of Stewart Island — are a breeding ground for several species of birds, including albatross, penguins and dotterels, and is home to a breeding population of New Zealand sea lions.
"Te taiao — our environment — is critical for the country's present and future. Whether it's the sound of birds in a forest or the sight of whales in the sea — we have intergenerational responsibilities to protect and enhance te taiao so future generations can visit and enjoy too.
"Te Papa Atawhai - the Department of Conservation and I are always looking to better protect for our country's rich biodiversity and special places.
"The International Visitor Levy supports major projects protecting and enhancing New Zealand's beautiful flora, fauna and making it easier for New Zealanders to experience nature.
"The levy is currently a $35 cost that is charged to most international visitors to our shores, which aims to boost conservation and tourism.
"All of this mahi — work — helps to ensure New Zealanders can continue to enjoy all the benefits of living on the most beautiful country on Earth."
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