The 'place' of interpretation: an evaluation of provision, use and role of interpretation at Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

Abstract

The qualitative research reported in this study draws on sense of place theory to develop a new approach to evaluating interpretation. In this thesis I argue that interpretation, either explicitly or implicitly, aims to stimulate, facilitate and extend people's understanding of place so that empathy towards heritage, conservation, culture and landscape can be developed. A new approach is used to explore how effectively interpretation influences people's understanding of place at Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand.

A typology of interpretive provision is developed which identifies three forms of interpretation - primary, secondary and tertiary. Each form of interpretation reveals the place in a different form and manner. Visitors to the national park are classified into four groups depending on their use of this range of interpretation. These categories are termed; seekers, stumblers, shadowers and shunners. By moving the majority of these visitor groups (even short stay visitors) towards an appreciation of the place, the interpretation at Mount Cook is deemed effective in achieving its aims. A number of other tangible and intangible factors are also identified as contributing to the development of visitors' appreciation of place. The case is made for a more theory driven approach to the evaluation of interpretation.