Man pays for illegal national park tour guiding

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A German man was today ordered to pay $500 after pleading guilty to illegally guiding tourists in Abel Tasman National Park.

The 37-year-old man was discharged without conviction, but ordered to donate $500 to the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust community conservation project, when he appeared in Christchurch District Court today.

The Department of Conservation (DOC), which took the legal action against the man, said the penalty was a reminder people needed a concession for commercial activities in national parks and conservation areas.

"The concession system helps ensure commercial activities are compatible with protecting the environment and the visitor experience in natural areas," DOC Motueka area manager Martin Rodd said.

"Concessionaires meet certain standards to ensure impacts on those areas are avoided and they also have approved safety plans for their clients' safety."

DOC found the man, guiding a group of five tourists on a walking trip in the park, at Awaroa Hut late last month.

Illegal tour leaders can be jailed for up to three months and fined $2500, while companies can be fined up to $25,000.

- NZPA