An agreement has been signed about the contentious issue of public access through Hunter Valley Station, with visitors to be charged $35 for each vehicle that goes onto the land leased by US TV host Matt Lauer.
The agreement about access to the iconic location north of Wanaka, which was signed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Orange Lakes Limited, describes the public use of Hunter Valley Station farm track and outlines how access can be obtained.
The NBC Today show anchorman snapped up the Hunter Valley Station, at a ratings value of $13 million.
It ensures the public will know how and when they can use the farm track, while respecting the ability of Hunter Valley Station, which will continue operate as a working farm after it was leased by Mr Lauer.
Hunter Valley is Crown pastoral lease and the Lauer family has exclusive rights of possession.
Seven Sharp’s Julian Lee travelled to Hunter Valley station to find out for himself.
Without this agreement the public have no rights to access the property, DOC said in a media release.
"Improving public access to conservation areas is important to us. With this agreement the public now have a clear outline of the access to Hunter River Valley and Hāwea Conservation Park," DOC Central Otago Operations Manager Mike Tubbs said.
"Whilst no one could point to any person having been unreasonably denied access over the farm track since Orange Lakes took over the Hunter Valley Station in 2017," Orange Lakes Director and lawyer Graeme Todd said.
“We agreed it wouldn’t hurt for there to be more clarity around what access had been given since Orange Lakes took ownership, how access could be arranged and the terms upon which it would be granted.”
Under the agreement, up to six four-wheel drive vehicles per day may be granted access to Hunter Valley Station farm track between December and April.
Winter conditions from 1 May to 30 November mean public access for 4WD vehicles during that time is generally unavailable. Mountain bike, foot and horse access will be available year-round, outside of a closure for lambing 1 October to 1 December.
A $35 fee will be charged by Hunter Valley Station for each vehicle to contribute to the maintenance of the private farm track.
Conditions of use are also set out in the agreement and these must be signed and returned to the farm managers.
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