The tourism potential of Deep Cove

Abstract

The need to consider in advance the implication of development at Deep Cove has been caused by the excess pressures now being felt at Milford. Only two points of access exist at present to the Sounds in Fiordland National Park and as these areas are scenically unique and of world-wide renown, increasing numbers of tourists are visiting each year. Overnight accommodation is only available at Milford. Here the safe flat land of the Cleddau delta is utilised fully by buildings and increased capacity can only be effected by rebuilding to a more rational plan and going more skyward. The cost of such action is as great as establishing similar accommodation at Deep Cove which would create a larger number of beds overall. It is the road built over the Wilmot Pass to facilitate the construction of the Manapouri Power Scheme that makes possible the opportunity for development at Deep Cove. Since it first became available for public use commercial fishermen have used both the road, wharf and slipway, left behind when the contractors tidied up, to establish an important fishing base. The road and slipway are now controlled by the Park Board who charge for their use.