An evaluation of visitor services for protected natural areas: Case studies of Arthur's Pass and Mount Cook National Parks

Abstract

Tourism pressures are a real problem for protected natural areas all over the world. This dissertation explores one way of dealing with the environmental impacts of people on parks, especially the pressures of tourism, through the environmental education provided by interpretation services. This study describes and evaluates how interpretation is used to manage tourism pressures. Case studies of two New Zealand national parks: Arthur's Pass and Mount Cook are provided.

The case studies indicate that interpretation has been used as a management tool. Conservation staff in these parks used interpretation both as a 'soft' and 'hard' management tool. Interpretation was also used to add value to the tourism experience and to develop social and agency goals. Interpretation at each park differed. This difference is based upon the specific goals and objectives for each national park. The main interpretive objective for each park is to maximise the benefits and enjoyment which the park visitors receive as well as instilling in them a sense of appreciation and understanding of the natural resource.

In conclusion I argue that New Zealand's experience of interpretation services for protected natural areas is very useful when considering appropriate objectives for interpretation in Indonesia. I discuss methods of interpretation for people visiting parks and identify techniques which can also be applied in Indonesia.