Capping tourist numbers into New Zealand could be necessary if there's a return to pre-Covid levels, say conservationists. 

Southland and Otago Conservation Boards met in Invercargill earlier this month and the impact of visitor numbers on the environment was one of the key topics discussed. 

Board members acknowledged the financial hardship and social impacts of border closures on many towns, businesses and families in the southern region. 

But they also recognised it had provided many Kiwis with the opportunity to reconnect with many previous high-volume tourists spots and find a new appreciation for the conservation estate. 

That was encapsulated by the comment of Southland Conservation Board member Peter McDonald, they said. McDonald had said: "I feel as if I've got my country back".  

The boards together provide oversight advice to the Department of Conservation over a significant part of New Zealand’s conservation estate. 

Following the April 8 meeting, they've released a joint statement from Southland board chair John Whitehead and Otago chair Dave Vass.

"While many in tourism may wish with the opening of the borders to return back to pre-Covid tourism behaviours, a growing number of Kiwis and tour operators are clear that we do not want this," they say.

Tourism Minister Stuart Nash has in recent months outlined the Government's plans to create a more sustainable tourism industry, finding over-tourism was eroding the sector's social license.  

"We find ourselves in a 'slack tide' moment where we now have the opportunity to design a better way forward for tourism," say McDonald and Vass, "one which is more in line with the values of New Zealanders. 

"Treating our guests with greater respect so their experiences are of high quality will ensure they will in turn treat our conservation estate with respect."

Both boards discussed tools for better managing tourist numbers.

While reluctant to advise there should be limits on the numbers of visitors, they believed limits would be "on the table" if the sector returned to its pre-Covid days of "tourism by numbers".

They also welcomed the recent tightening of restrictions on freedom camping but acknowledged we still need a diversity of travellers to provide future security to the sector as a whole. 

"The boards would like to advocate for more strategic policy oversight to have a more cohesive sector, one which works for the good of the conservation estate and therefore the good of all Kiwis." 

Specifically, on climate change both boards suggested how important it was that DOC should start early discussions with its many concessioners on developing plans around firstly knowing their emission profile, and then developing an emission reduction plan.

"Nature is the backbone of our country. Both Boards believe our conservation estate must be treated as a national treasure which demands regular, care and ongoing investment."