Company fined for operating South Island tours without permit

Pancake Rocks. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Pancake Rocks. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Adventure tourism business Active Planet has pleaded guilty to three charges of commercial guiding without a permit in the South Island.

The company was illegally operating at the Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, Pancake Rocks on the West Coast, and at the Blue Pools in Mount Aspiring National Park in October 2018. 

It was prosecuted by the Department of Conservation and fined $4000 on each charge.

During the sentencing at the Pukekohe District Court, Judge Kevin Phillips called the offending blatant and premeditated.

DOC said Active Planet was given several warnings to apply for permits but chose to continue its illegal operation.

National compliance manager Marta Lang Silveira said rules needed to be followed.

"DOC monitors and manages tourism concessions so it is fair for everyone," she said.

"Through concessions DOC can set limits on how many people tourism operators can take into an area over a period of time. This is publicly owned land, and DOC has a responsibility, on behalf of the public, to manage commercial activity on it."

Guiding for commercial purposes without a concession can attract a fine of up to $300,000, or imprisonment for up to five years.

"When people don't follow the rules, it's unfair to the many businesses who do, and it puts iconic tourist stops at risk of overcrowding."