Human interactions with New Zealand fur seals at Kaikoura Peninsula : "The visitors experience"

Abstract

The aim of this research was to devise a method with which to explore the visitors' experience of wildlife-viewing. A case study of people interacting with New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) at Kaikoura Peninsula was used to examine the human dimension of wildlife-viewing. This study found that qualitative methods were useful in ascertaining what factors were important for the visitors' wildlife experience. From the initial qualitative research, a quantitative method was devised that took into consideration the unique aspects of the Kaikoura Peninsula setting.