Summertime visitors to Arthur's Pass National Park - Characteristics, motivations, perceptions, impact

Abstract

This thesis questions the nature of National Park use in New Zealand. In particular it focuses on the summertime visitors to Arthur's Pass National Park and the legislative dilemma of providing for both preservation and public use of natural areas. In these terms this research is primarily sociological in nature. Consequently it seeks an understanding of the characteristics and motivations of Park users, and the factors which may influence their level of impact on Park resources. Thus, the nature of carrying capacity and its relationship to the above, is an integral part of this research.

In common with other New Zealand and overseas Park users, Arthur's Pass visitors tend to be a distinct sector of society. However, descriptive characteristics provide only part of the answer. In describing motivations for visiting Arthur's Pass the overriding influence of the wilderness character of the Park is noted, although people also visit Arthur's Park for a variety of personal reasons. It is therefore, not until the addition of a socio-psychological component that a clearer picture of Park visitation emerges.

Overall, Burch's (1969) concept of Park visitation, as a reflection of an individual's ‘personal community’ is appealing, in that it provides a sociologically plausible link between user characteristics and motivations. Thus, agents of first introduction to National Parks, and present influences on Park use, give important insights into the expanding use of Arthur's Pass. Social influences, acting through the changing roles and expectations of one's 'family life cycle', offer the best understanding of use while at the Park. Finally, the role of past experience is seen as a necessary counterpart to the above themes.

In concluding, it is noted that, for a growing understanding of National Park use, the description and analysis of the changing realities of Park use must continue.