Coastal track user survey, Abel Tasman National Park, 1984/85 : this dissertation is submitted in part fulfilment of the Diploma in Parks and Recreation [Lincoln College]

Abstract

It has been acknowledged that for the last few years there has been a considerable increase in the use of Abel Tasman National Park's coastal track, while at the same time very little was known about the park users. Only limited information concerning visitor numbers had been collected in the past and nothing was known of the characteristics, behaviour and attitudes of those people walking the coastal track, apart from the knowledge gained from casual observation. With the level of track use growing higher, decisions concerning the adequacy of facilities may soon need to be made. Consideration may also need to be given to whether park management should allow the growth in numbers of park users to continue unchecked, indeed if steps need to be taken to safeguard not only the environment but also the quality of the recreational experience available in the park. This user survey was commissioned by the Department of Lands and survey to obtain information on visitor characteristics of behaviour and attitudes; such information to provide a basis for future management decisions.