Human interactions with New Zealand fur seals at Kaikoura Peninsula : "The visitors experience" : a dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Applied Science of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at Lincoln University

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.