New Zealand’s Great walks are premier tracks that pass through diverse and spectacular scenery, from rivers and lakes to mountains and deep gorges.
During 2017 and 2018, the Department of Conservation (DOC) invited communities, iwi and members of the public to put forward existing walks which could be enhanced to become part of the Great Walks network. Visitor Solutions, in partnership with Market Economics, were commissioned to undertake economic research on three of the proposed Great Walks. In compiling this research, Visitor Solutions provided expertise on the walking tracks, a market assessment of who would be using the tracks and investigated practical operational aspects of the walks for DOC. The report provided a high-level assessment of the social, economic and financial impacts of each option. The report enabled DOC to make informed decisions on the next steps.