The experiences and motivations of visitors using rented bach accommodation in the Marlborough Sounds: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Tourism Management (Honours)

Abstract

In this dissertation I am concerned to understand the motivations, satisfactions and experiences of holiday-makers who have rented bach accommodation. I also hope to gain an insight into whether the Kiwi bach holiday experience is made meaningful by the iconic status of the Kiwi bach within New Zealand's colonial culture and history. An Internet Based Survey was used to study bach holiday-makers' experiences through a case study focussing on the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand. The expectations of the bach holiday by holiday-makers were found to range considerably, but there was an overall perception that bach holiday experiences are positive and that standards of facility-provision assist in determining the type of experience and satisfactions. There was indirect evidence that bach holiday-makers feel they are experiencing a 'classic' Kiwi bach holiday, although this sentiment was not explicitly expressed. The lack of previous academic research regarding baches and holiday market rentals highlights the need for further .investigations in this area of study. Further research is advocated both in terms of holiday-rental bach accommodation in a regional context, and the use of Internet Based Surveys for social science research purposes.