Riverstone has applied for a concession to build a 43km monorail from Kiwi Burn, near the Mavora Lakes, through the Snowdon Forest to Te Anau Downs, 29km of which would be through conservation land.
It would be the final stage of the proposed Fiordland Link experience, which would include a catamaran voyage over Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown, and a four-wheel-drive journey to Mavora Lakes.
The proposal also includes building a mountain bike track linking Lake Wakatipu and Lake Te Anau, which would double as a maintenance road.
Doc has indicated it will approve the concessions, subject to public submissions.
Of the 318 submissions, 288 opposed it. Some reasons for the opposition were adverse effects on the ecology of the region, intrusion on the remoteness of the area, and significant effects on recreational activities.
Riverstone was given right of reply at the final hearing, and legal counsel Paul Beverley said the opposing submissions did not provide enough evidence to challenge the application.
Terrestrial ecologist Dr Gary Bramley said some ecological values within the Snowdon forest were already adversely affected by introduced mammals, so effects of forest clearance would be relatively minor, "provided that bats and other ecological values are protected adequately".
Riverstone also gave evidence from a principal engineer and an environmental master planner to address some of the concerns noted by submitters.
Riverstone chairman Bob Robertson said the Fiordland Link Experience was not about getting to Milford Sound faster but creating an "internationally renowned" tourism experience.
"We are certainly not wanting to be some sort of a developer who's going to ruin things in a major way."
Submissions will now be summarised and a recommendation issued to the minister of conservation's representative, who will be making the decision. A report will then be compiled, after which a final decision will be made.
