Mackenzie District mayor Graham Smith says his district council is in a resilient position to plan its way through Covid-19. (File photo)

The mayor of one of New Zealand's tourism hotspots is calling for a more sustainable approach to tourism post Covid-19 and says change will need to be "drastic".

Mackenzie District mayor Graham Smith said there needs to be a major rethink of how the tourism industry operates in the future.

"There needs to be a more sustainable approach.

"Prior to the lockdown, we were constantly scrambling to keep up with infrastructure pressures," Smith said.

He acknowledged that would mean "drastic change" for those operating in the industry - which included many of his constituents with the Mackenzie District economy heavily reliant on tourism.

However, Smith was adamant there was little other option and said a return to the old ways would not be viable.

Smith's comments come in the wake calls from Canterbury Aoraki Conservation Board member Dr Robert Wynn-Williams and Federated Mountain Clubs president Jan Finlayson for serious consideration of how the industry operates.

Esther Ashby-Coventry/Stuff A view of the Church of the Good Shepherd from the footbridge in Tekapo. (File photo)

Wynn-Williams wanted the Government to investigate a possible cap on tourism numbers, while Finlayson said the Covid-19 lockdown provided the chance for the tourism industry to look at a "quieter, slower, and less throwaway approach".

Smith said the time was right to look at things with fresh eyes and the Mackenzie District Council was already working on a three-stage response to Covid-19 which included a sustainable approach in the future.

"We are aware of the impact of Covid-19 on some businesses and want to address this in a positive manner, however, Government legislation still requires us to maintain our services and deliver on our Annual and Long Term Plans, and we must continue to invest in projects that stimulate employment and appropriate growth in our District," Smith said.

"We are planning for three phases: crisis, transition and a sustainable new normal."

JOHN BISSET/STUFF The Mackenzie district is ready to welcome domestic tourists once movement is allowed within New Zealand, council says. (File photo)

Councillors and staff have been working via online workshops to ensure the impact of Covid-19 is reflected in planning for the future of the district, and they are in a resilient position thanks to council's staff restructure, careful management, and prudent spending, Smith said.

The crisis response includes additional modelling on rating options, reviewing policies to allow for flexibility and working with other agencies and councils on the best way forward

"If borders remain closed there will likely be an increase in domestic tourism and once restrictions allow movement the Mackenzie is well placed to welcome New Zealanders looking for an escape."

Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage told Stuff on Monday "as we look to rebuilding the tourism industry, we must create a sustainable visitor industry that protects and cherishes this heritage for future generations".

"The conversations regarding the future of tourism in a post-Covid-19 environment with Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis and I are in early stages.

"As the discussions are in early stages, specific mechanisms have yet to be canvassed, however I expect we will look at all tools available.

"I anticipate that domestic tourism and encouraging New Zealanders to enjoy our own country will be a focus for the industry once we are able to travel freely again."