Mayor backs Mt Eden bus ban

A multimillion-dollar makeover of Mt Eden could see traffic banned from the mountain in a bid to boost tourism and preserve one of Auckland's most significant landmarks.

Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard says the rapid deterioration of Maungawhau is being aggravated by high numbers of buses and cars which carry one million visitors a year to the summit.

A city council study in 2002 estimated at least 50 buses travelled up the mountain every day, and at least 10 times that number of cars.

Mr Hubbard wants to transform the mountain into a "world heritage site" and preserve its archaeological importance.

That would mean buses, and possibly cars, being banned from driving to the peak, replaced by miniature trains to shuttle visitors to the top. But the proposal has angered tour operators and bus and coach companies who say it will drive visitors away.

Mr Hubbard said urgent action was needed to give Auckland's highest volcanic cone "a complete makeover to enable it to be delivered back to the people of Auckland as a fully reconditioned mountain".

The proposal, expected to cost between $3 million and $5 million, would also see an improved visitor centre.

The makeover would also address protection and sign-posting of archaeological sites, grass, weed and tree control, new walkways and boundary control.

Langtons restaurant, half-way up the mountain, would be converted into a "first-class" visitor centre and and historical commentary provided on the new transport.

"The mountain is visibly deteriorating each year and it is essential we, as custodians, take action," Mr Hubbard said. He said the proposal would improve the tourist experience for all visitors.

It would also provide a template for similar schemes on all Auckland's major volcanic cones.

But Mark Stockdale, executive officer of the Bus and Coach Association, said banning buses would simply reduce the number of people able to visit Mt Eden.

"It's a tourist attraction - why ban tourists?"

The association, which represents about 90 per cent of the industry, has put forward a proposal for a one-way system for coaches to prevent traffic gridlock.

Mr Stockdale said it would make more sense to ban cars and allow coaches, which carry far more visitors in fewer vehicles. Tourism Research Institute figures suggest buses make up just 8 per cent of total traffic on the volcanic cone.

A bus ban would also hit tour operators in the pocket. "Mt Eden is the first attraction on any itinerary in Auckland, the gateway to New Zealand," Mr Stockdale said.

Peter Lowry, chief executive of the Inbound Tour Operators Council, said it was "absolutely vital proper access" to Mt Eden was maintained.

A detailed management and conservation plan is expected to be finalised by early next year.