New research has uncovered how Kiwi gems and destinations around the globe are suffering from overtourism. BROOK SABIN The Matapouri Mermaid Pools are currently closed to the public. The mermaid pools were officially closed to the public in April with iwi putting a rāhui tapu in place after they were discovered to have been damaged by urine, sunscreen and people leaving rubbish behind. Tekapo's population can often double in the evenings due to the number of visitors in the area, its tourism website states. But the peak has become so popular that visitors are having to queue to take a photo from its summit.

Source: Stuff May 24, 2019 18:56 UTC