World Heritage Fiordland national park – SOURCE: Fiordland.org.nz

A proposed underground bus tunnel through the World Heritage Fiordland national park in New Zealand has angered tourism operators that demand the project be scrapped.

The proposed tunnel in New Zealand’s Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks would be used exclusively by buses to take tourists from Queenstown to Milford Sound.

Fears the great wilderness destination will be ruined by the construction of the 11 km underground bus tunnel has sparked more than 9,500 people to sign a petition which is sent to Conservation Minister Kate Wilkinson, who has the final decision on the project.

Local resident from Glenorchy Patricia Ko started the petition, and is joined by a growing online protest aimed at halting the development.

Ms Ko said the Milford Dart tunnel project would put New Zealand’s ‘100% Pure’ brand at risk.

“Putting a bus tunnel through this world heritage area is akin to building a chairlift to the top of Ayers Rock or putting a parking lot on top of the Great Barrier Reef,” said the Glenorchy resident.

Known for its amazing backdrops used in the Lord of the Rings, Hobbit and Narnia films, the area is described by Ms Ko as New Zealand's most valuable and precious natural tourist destination.

Joining Ms Ko in condemning the project is a number of tourism operators, including Vladka Kennet, owner-operator of inbound travel company True Travel.

Vladka Kennet said a majority of clients come to New Zealand to experience the pure environment, almost untouched by nature, and fears the tunnel would “immensely and irreversibly affect the whole purpose, idea and success of the tourism industry in the region”.

Other local operators described the tunnel project as “so inappropriate on so many levels it is hard to believe it has received serious consideration” and the impact would be “hugely negative”.