The implications of increases in tourism on local users of nature-based recreation settings in the Selwyn District, New Zealand: A review of the literature and selected research methods

Abstract

Tourism growth is placing pressure on New Zealand’s natural resources as increasing numbers of international visitors seek out scenic attractions often located in areas managed for conservation and public access. Many of these sites are nature-based and have been valued by generations of New Zealanders as places to visit and recreate. This study examined the literature on regional tourism and outdoor recreation to establish what is known about current patterns of recreation and tourism in the Selwyn District of New Zealand, and the ways in which tourism and nature-based recreation have been examined in both national and international contexts. This paper represents phase one of a three-phase research project examining the implications of increases in tourism at nature-based recreation settings in the Selwyn District. Phases two and three report on stakeholder perspectives gathered via interviews and an online survey with nature-based recreationists active in the study area (also published in the LEaP series).