Australian company plans rival west coast treetop walk

By NZPA

Thursday 7th June 2007

Hokitika's loss could be Moana's gain if the owner of the world's biggest air walk gains approval for a $6.5 million treetop walkway overlooking Lake Brunner.

Canopy 01 plans to create the "Brunner Fly" in privately owned rimu forest close to the Moana tourist resort. It will take visitors on a one-hour journey through the forest canopy.

It was a similar concept to that proposed earlier for the Hokitika Gorge Scenic Reserve on Department of Conservation land, by Christchurch company Air Walks NZ Ltd. After public submissions and hearings, DOC last year refused permission for that walkway.

Air Walks NZ director Thomas Frank was today unfazed by news of the Moana development, saying he was about to appeal the DOC decision and expected a definite outcome within a couple of months.

Canopy 01 currently operates the Otway Fly in Victoria, and was project manager for Tahune Air Walk and Dismal Swamp eco-tourism sites in Tasmania.

Directors Shane Abel and Neil Wade had begun informal consultation with affected parties, including Ngati Waewae and DOC, and the proposal will be discussed at the Grey District Council meeting on Monday.

Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn said the district council supported the project in principle.

"It's really exciting news, but just the first of some big announcements planned for the Moana region in the near future," Kokshoorn said.

Canopy 01 envisaged tourists using the Tranz Alpine passenger train to travel from Christchurch to Moana, and then taking in the air walk experience.

However, Frank viewed the Lake Brunner project with scepticism. "It would not threaten us because it's not on the tourist trail. I don't think it's the right location but good luck to them."

The Brunner Fly would be supported by a visitor centre, cafeteria and gift shop.

Canopy 01 intended to begin community consultation and hold formal discussions with the council and DOC within the next few months.

The site is owned by South Pacific Holdings Ltd, currently zoned rural in the District Plan and requiring resource consent from the council.

As it ia in an area around the lake subject to the "Tasman Accord", consent will also be required from the Minister of Conservation.

Kokshoorn said provision had been made for the creation of lodges within the area. He did not believe the minister would veto the project.

"Unlike the Hokitika Gorge proposal, this venture is not on DOC land."

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