A group of Hawke's Bay locals are campaigning to resurrect a controversial walking track on a sacred hillside in Hawke's Bay.
The path on the eastern side of Te Mata Peak sparked outrage when it was first opened to the public, causing it to be closed down.
The Te Mata Peak Peoples' Track Society's Xan Harding says the peak is an asset to the country's tourism industry.
"The locals benefit from it, tourists from it. As we've seen this afternoon, it's a fantastic asset for New Zealand," he said.
Winery Craggy Range was granted resource consent to build the track last year.
The local iwi, who says Te Mata Peak is sacred, were not consulted during the development process.
After facing backlash, the winery announced the path's removal.
However, the Te Mata Peak Peoples' Track Society says they've received more than 17,000 signatures in an online petition calling for the path to stay.
Funds are currently being raised for the winery in case of court costs, after it was threatened with legal action from an environmental group if it kept the track.
"There is a risk of legal action so we need to be resourced to be able to put a counter-argument to that," Mr Harding said.
The Hastings District Council says it hasn't received a resource consent application from Craggy Range to remove the track, but the winery told 1 News they remain on target to start the restoration work by winter.
Despite the track being closed, plenty of people are taking advantage of the new route through Te Mata Peak.
"You have a great view of the nearby town and, up in the front, you have the views of the ocean so it's a really relaxing and nice way to come spend the day," one tourist said.
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