The development of recreational facilities and services on high country runs of the South Island

Abstract

In this report the South Island high country is a region of mountainous land east of the Southern Alps that was taken up as sheep-runs in the early days of colonization. It is a region of great physical beauty which has always attracted people seeking outdoor recreation.

Occasionally before the Second World War and more frequently since, commercial recreational facilities and services have been developed by runholders and others on the high country runs. The development of these facilities and services has sometimes conflicted with pastoral production and other uses of high country resources and has sometimes created problems for local authorities, land administrators, land managers and other mountainland users.

New Zealand's current economic problems and the high cost of energy may affect the demand for recreation in the high country, but past trends suggest that use of the high country, for various forms of recreation, will continue to increase. Consequently the number of commercial recreational facilities and services on high country runs may increase and existing activities may be extended. If the conflicts caused by the development of these activities are to be avoided, decisions influencing their introduction must be based on a comprehensive knowledge of high country natural resources and the values of the people who use the resources. This knowledge should be obtained and used within the planning framework out lined in the report.