Tourism and recreation around the Avon-Heathcote Estuary/Itutai: current usage, awareness and perceptions of tourism and recreational opportunities

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to assess the current usage, awareness and perceptions of tourism and recreational opportunities of the Avon Heathcote Estuary of visitors to the Estuary and of Christchurch residents in general. The Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust (AHEIT) is seeking to register the Avon-Heathcote Estuary on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. Part of this application requires information about the current and potential use of the Estuary for tourism purposes. At the present time, little is known about the users and usage of the Estuary for recreation and tourism; the extent and level of awareness and knowledge amongst Christchurch residents in general about tourism and recreational opportunities at the Estuary is lacking also. The objectives of the current project, therefore, have been: • To investigate the current activity patterns of visitors to the Avon- Heathcote Estuary • To investigate Christchurch residents' awareness and usage of the Estuary for recreational purposes • To explore the perceptions and attitudes of current visitors and Christchurch residents towards the Estuary • To identify areas for improvement to the Estuary.