The thesis examines the origins and evolution of Scenic Reserves from an historical geographer's perspective. It explores some roots of the conservation ideal and efforts to put them into effect, from beginnings in mid-nineteenth century frontier New Zealand. A humanist viewpoint, developed around a man-environment model is adopted for the study. This approach emphasises the role individuals play in actively creating their environment. However, the role of exogenous forces in directing landscape change is also considered and compared with that of the individual. Four major periods of scenery preservation activity exist, each with a distinct character. They include (1) the Initiation phase (1868-1902), Acquisitions (1903-1918), Maintenance (1919-1947) and Management (1948-1979). Individuals have played major roles in these developments, but a complete explanation should not ignore the exogenous forces.