Changing perceptions of Banks Peninsula

Abstract

Originally named Banks Island by Captain Cook in 1770, Banks Peninsula is the promontory on the Canterbury coast caused by the spread of alluvial plains from the Main Divide joining with the island formed by the Lyttleton - Akaroa volcanic complex about 20,000 years ago. This dissertation examines the history of the occupants of Banks Peninsula and attempts to suggest what the perceptions of the inhabitants have been towards the area. To gauge present feelings a survey was carried out at different places to determine the attitudes of both local residents and visitors. Landscape art has been examined from the last century in an attempt to establish the artists perception from where the emphasis of the work lies. Possible future trends in perception of the study area have been suggested which may prove to be of some value in the allocation of future land use patterns and changes in legislation with respect to these.