Regional tourism organisation (RTO) Clutha Development has commissioned an "integrated master plan" for managing and developing Kaka Point township and the neighbouring Nugget Point tourist attraction, owned by the Department of Conservation (Doc).
Clutha Development chief executive Linda Moore said the process had arisen as part of the RTO’s Clutha Destination Strategy implementation plan.
"This is an iconic site for visitors, and we want to ensure future growth is managed by balancing different stakeholder interests.
"We received good interest from third party consultants to our request for proposal, which closed recently.
"We expect community consultation to occur during the coming months, and to be completed by the end of August."
Kaka Point has a population of about 230, boosted significantly by summer tourists.
Pre-Covid visitor estimates for Nugget Point ranged as high as 150,000 a year.
"This [process] will guide future managed growth by balancing a high quality visitor experience, while managing environmental impacts, guiding proposed recommendations through planning, considering spatial options for development, addressing transport and accessibility, developing future growth scenarios and [formulating] an action plan."
Environmental planning and design consultancy Boffa Miskell would undertake the project, she said.
"We look forward to working with them and our key partners, Doc, Clutha District Council and iwi over the next five months."
