In general, a climber makes relatively little noise and (in theory) leaves nothing behind except tracks in the snow and minor scratches on rocks.
I disagree. The Tongariro Crossing is a good example in the summer. Trampers everywhere in their brightly coloured clothing and the trail where they walk looking like a ginormous ugly snail trail spoiling the view from above.
I made the comment in my earlier post partly tongue in check but also partly in all seriousness.
I accept that these sorts of places should be enjoyed and appreciated by as many people as possible, but where do one persons rights or wants start to encroach on another persons. There are people who through age or disability are not capable of walking around some of our fantastic scenery, are they to be denied the right to enjoy it?