The Abel Tasman walk has been returned to its original owners - but the Conservation Minister's unsure how it'll affect the iconic tramp's price-tag.

The Government's today signed an agreement to restore thousands of hectares of land in the upper South Island to descendants of original owners, Te Tauihu.

It includes a 25-year agreement to continue the Great Walk.

Minister Tama Potaka says walk management remains with the Department of Conservation, public access guaranteed.  

"There are arrangements in place around a number of issues - those arrangements remain confidential."

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