Date:  20 March 2026

The allocations process is the way DOC manages aircraft landings in and around the popular South Westland glaciers. Currently, four businesses are directly involved in landings in the Park, which are a significant drawcard to visitors wanting to experience the glacier landscape.

This allocation follows a consultation period where DOC heard from operators and interested parties on how they thought aircraft landings allocations should be managed, given changes to the landscape of Westland Tai Poutini National Park.

Climate change is causing reduced snow cover and glacier retreat, which impacts on the safety and usability of some of the 18 approved landing sites, particularly during peak periods.

South Westland Operations Manager Wayne Costello says interest in aircraft landings has been high.

“There’s strong demand for the landings available. We received expressions of interest from 11 operators, which is not surprising and obviously more than the current four operators with concessions to land in the Park.

“We want to make it easier for businesses and people using these landings to interact with us to get the permissions they need and offer visitors flying in the Park the best experience possible.

“We have designed the allocation process to be consistent, clear and easy to use for operators interested in the opportunity. It will also enable landing sites to be better utilised within the Westland Tai Poutini National Park.

“The allocation process is aligned with the outcomes of the management plan and we are not increasing overall limits.

“We’ve designed the allocation process to support exceptional experiences for visitors, including time on the ground, storytelling, and deeper understanding of Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area.

“We also considered the experiences other users when developing this framework, for example, people walking in the Franz Josef Glacier valley to ensure impacts on their experience is minimised.”

An Assessment Panel will review allocation applications from 27 April 2026, and Operators will be notified of outcomes in July 2026. Operators who are granted an allocation will also need to apply for a concession in order to undertake flight landings.

Background information

Westland Tai Poutini National Park is a nationally and internationally significant landscape in Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area.

Aircraft access has long enabled visitors to experience high alpine areas, but this must be balanced with preserving natural quiet, protecting Park values and managing increasing visitor expectations.

The regulatory framework is set by the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Management Plan, which limits aircraft landings to 18 approved sites and caps total aircraft numbers.

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