January 28, 2013
Helicopter trip trumps Hole in the Rock cruise
The Māori trust that owns the Hole in the Rock in the Bay of Islands hopes a new tourism venture means it can finally start earning an income from its asset.
Motukōkako Ahu Whenua trustee Richard ''Blandy'' Witehira says boat owners have made millions from taking passengers through the natural feature, without paying anything to the 600 owners of Motukōkako Island.
Rather than continue to fight the operators, the trust has entered a joint venture with a Paihia helicopter company.
Salt Air choppers will fly tourists to a platform on the island's highest point on the edge of a 150m cliff with views of Cape Brett and Pewhairangi, the Bay of Islands.
Mr Witehira says eventually trust guides will greet visitors and explain the island's rich Māori history and biodiversity, which is protected from pests by the sheer cliffs.
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