Google Trekker comes to NZ

Matt Jenke carries the Google Trekker camera as it debuts in New Zealand. Photo / Project Janszoon

Google Street View went off-road on the Abel Tasman Coast Track today for the first time in New Zealand, before continuing onwards to the Heaphy Track.

The Department of Conservation said it was working with Google to bring the 'Great Walks' to life on the web.

"This is the first time this technology has been seen in New Zealand and DOC is really pleased to welcome Google Street View and the Street View Trekker on the Abel Tasman Coast Track," DOC programme manager Rudy Tetteroo said.

Google Maps product manager for New Zealand, Nabil Naghdy, said the images would be gathered via an 18kg backpack equipped with 15 five-megapixel cameras.

The camera system is specially designed to capture images in remote places or places only accessible on foot.

Since its launch in 2012, Google has taken Trekker to several natural wonders around the world, such as Grand Canyon, the Galapagos Islands and most recently, Mount Fuji. It
even went underwater to capture 360-degree panoramic imagery of delicate ocean environments in Australia, the Philippines and Hawaii.

The Heaphy Track is the next to be filmed.