Anger as company applies to build $300-a-night accommodation in Fiordland National Park

Concept drawing of the proposed accommodation in Fiordland National Park.
Pip Cheshire

Concept drawing of the proposed accommodation in Fiordland National Park.

The Federated Mountain Clubs is opposing a proposal from the granddaughter of a southern tourism magnate to build $300-a-night accommodation in the Fiordland National Park.

Path New Zealand Ltd is seeking a concession application for a lease and licence for a term of 30 years to build and operate accommodation near Knobs Flat in the Fiordland National Park, about halfway between Te Anau and Milford Sound.

The application was publicly notified under section 17SC of the Conservation Act 1987.

Concept drawing of the proposed accommodation in Fiordland National Park.
Pip Cheshire

Concept drawing of the proposed accommodation in Fiordland National Park.

The Companies Office website lists Abbe Hutchins as the sole director of Path New Zealand Ltd.

Hutchins is the granddaughter of tourism pioneer and conservationist Les Hutchins, who founded Real Journeys.

In a consultation document for stakeholders, the company says it will provide "walking and overnight wilderness experiences for the intrepid traveller that values the rewards associated with breaking a sweat but also appreciates comfortable surroundings when it is time to take off their boots".

Concept drawing of the interior of the proposed accommodation in Fiordland National Park.
Pip Cheshire

Concept drawing of the interior of the proposed accommodation in Fiordland National Park.

The target market would be people looking for an authentic experience of New Zealand's nature but may not have the time to do longer tramps, or prefer private accommodation, the document says.

Guests staying at the accommodation would be able to take advantage of the more than half a dozen day walks along the Milford Rd.

The site chosen would provide guests with spectacular views of the Eglinton Valley while being out of sight of the road.

Concept drawing of the proposed accommodation in Fiordland National Park.
Pip Cheshire

Concept drawing of the proposed accommodation in Fiordland National Park.

A 30-space car park would be built off the road and the accommodation would be accessible via a 500-metre-long access track.

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Hutchins said feasibility studies had been completed and there was definitely a market in the region for the proposed accommodation.

Several sites were visited along the road but the one near Knobs Flat was selected because it was a great spot for developing an experience and have little impact on other park users, Hutchins said.

The $300-a-night price was based on what other overnight experiences in the park were charging, she said.

The accommodation would provide for a different section of the market than would stay at something like the Cascade Creek campsite up the road that charged $13 a night for adults.

Hutchins declined to say how much the development would cost but said the figure was reasonable.

Federated Mountain Clubs president Peter Wilson said it opposed to the proposal.

The proposal went against general park policy and the Fiordland National Park Management Plan that stipulated, where possible, visitor accommodation should be provided outside of the park, Wilson said.

It was a clear case of using public land for private profit, he said.

When the company sought feedback about six months ago from Federated Mountain Clubs, it told the company it was opposed to the proposal.

Personally, Wilson did not think it would progress as it was unlawful, he said.

There was plenty of accommodation in Te Anau and plenty of space to build more accommodation, Wilson said.

Submissions on the proposal close at 5pm on July 20.

 - Stuff

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