Applying the limits of acceptable change process to visitor impact management in New Zealand's natural areas: A case study of the Mingha-Deception Track, Arthur's Pass National Park

Abstract

This thesis has the dual aims of analysing methods appropriate for applying the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) planning process to New Zealand's natural areas, and investigating visitor use issues and impacts for the Mingha-Deception track in Arthur's Pass National Park, New Zealand. Limits of Acceptable Change planning has the potential to be a useful tool for the management of natural areas in New Zealand as it provides a structured process for outlining the desired conditions for a natural area. The three-stage LAC implementation method used in this study involved: i) the participation of stakeholders to identify the values, issues and concerns; ii) the measurement of visitor impacts currently occurring; and iii) the involvement of stakeholders in setting acceptability levels for visitor impacts.

The Mingha-Deception track was chosen as the site to investigate the LAC process due to issues surrounding the possible impacts of runners training for and participating in the Coast-to-Coast multi-sport event on other track users, along with issues regarding the impacts associated with growing visitor use of the track. This research focuses on the social impacts and visitor perceptions of biophysical impacts associated with visitor use of the Mingha-Deception track.

The social and perceived biophysical impacts on the Mingha-Deception track most commonly reported by visitors included crowding, displacement (including possible future displacement), being bothered by track widening, the need for more directional signage, tracks/boardwalks and toilets on the track, and a negative view of the standard of facilities. Of these, the only impact to clearly exceed the acceptability level set for it by stakeholders was 'visitors who thought more directional signage was needed on the track'. Although conflict and the percentage of visitors being bothered by vegetation damage and human toilet waste were impacts reported by low levels of visitors, these impacts were all close to their acceptability levels.

This thesis offers a critique of the methods used in this study of the Mingha-Deception track, compares them with those of other New Zealand LAC-type studies, and outlines a three-stage method appropriate for applying LAC in the New Zealand situation. Important features in this method are the inclusion of representatives from all stakeholder types for an area, involving sufficient numbers of stakeholders in setting acceptability levels and ensuring stakeholders understand the process in which they are participating.