Boards To Inspect Copland Track

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31598, 8 February 1968, Page 1

Boards To Inspect Copland Track

A joint inspection by members and rangers of the Mount Cook and Westland National Park Boards of the Copland Track and adjacent area this week-end may lead to greater use of the track by tourists.

“There seems to be a considerable revival of interest in the track,” said Mr N. S. Coad, chairman of the Mount Cook board, in Christchurch yesterday. “It needs to be made easier.

“The inspection will enable the boards to agree on priori-

ties for the track, irrespective of which park the work needs to be done in. It will enable us to assess the work still needed,” he said. Situated about 7000 ft, the track joins the two parks on the main divide of the Southern Alps. Mr Coad said that additional shelter would be required, particularly near the top of the pass. It was a true alpine pass and was for use by experienced or guided parties. “It was used very extensively as a guided crossing before the last war and there seems to be a great revival of interest. “We have been told that people won’t walk, that they just want to sit in their cars, but this summer we provided some very strenuous guided walks and found that people not only wanted to go on them but finished them too,” he said. The Copland track a steep 1000 ft ice pitch where steps will have to be cut if crampons are not worn.

Mr Coad said the upgrading of the track had the support of the National Parks Authority and the Minister of Lands (Mr Maclntyre).

Consideration would be given by the boards to safety refuges, markers, direction aids, and other safety devices. Control of the track would have to be exercised by the boards so publicity jflid not attract unfit ‘ persons into attempting the walk.