The surge of New Zealand visitors to the West Coast over summer and autumn has been a boon to communities missing the dollars usually injected by overseas tourists. But there is just one problem for a region rich in vulnerable wildlife: many of the locals come with their dogs. Domestic tourists in motorhomes are flocking to remote corners of the Coast with their pets and expect to be able to take them on walks and adventures, the West Coast Conservation Board has heard. Board member Barry Hughes, who runs a kayaking business at Okarito, said there had been an increase in New Zealanders taking dogs into sensitive areas. Mr Hughes said a balance was needed to meet the needs of communities and their visitors and dogs without endangering biodiversity.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 23, 2021 16:33 UTC