Geotourism and risk: A case study of a rockfall hazard at Fox Glacier, New Zealand

Abstract

Rapid recession and thinning of mountain glaciers worldwide is resulting in environmental change that is altering the hazard-scape experienced by visitors. Relationships between rockfall and the changing glacier surface were explored at Fox Glacier, a glacier that is a key tourist destination. A simple rockfall model demonstrated that rocks could travel a further 50 metres out onto the receding glacier, compared to in 2008 when the glacier was advancing. Improving our understanding of natural hazards is essential to the sustainability of the industry given the importance of glacier-related tourism in the local and regional economies.