A robust 17% more trampers experienced the Routeburn Track in the past year, part of a record 7500 more people on all nine of New Zealand's Great Walks.
The growth on the Great Walks from 79,366 in 2011-12, to 86,873 in 2012-13, or 9.5%, contrasts with static numbers over the preceding six years.
Growth ranged from 19% on the Kepler, 17% on the Routeburn, 14% on the Whanganui, 12% on Lake Waikaremoana, 9% on the Rakiura, 8% on the Heaphy, 6% on the Abel Tasman, to 1% on the Milford.
The Tongariro Circuit numbers were static, due in part to the disruption from the significant volcanic activity.
While Conservation Minister Nick Smith encouraged walks on the under-utilised likes of Whanganui and Heaphy tracks, in preference to Milford and Abel Tasman, which are close to full capacity, he said the increase was ''great news for conservation and tourism''.
''It means more people are 2enjoying our national parks and increased jobs and economic activity in regional New Zealand,'' Dr Smith said.
