Resource study for a visitor centre at Glenorchy

Abstract

The lands at the head of Lake Wakatipu have only in recent years 'ended' their isolation. A road, bridges and aircraft now give access to areas previously reached only by water or horse, leading to a massive increase of recreational use. Major nearby tourist resorts depend on the mountains and lake environment that provide the unique natural and scenic features which attract visitors to the area. It is questions about the resource that this dissertation first addresses. Important geological events have occurred relevant to present-day topography which have influenced soil and vegetation establishment and the settlement of both Maori and European. To the Maori, this area was important for moa and greenstone. To the European, it was important for grazing sheep and its potential for minerals. The aesthetic, recreational and conservational quality of the land was finally recognized by the establishment of reserves, a national park, and a forest park. To provide for the adequate conservation, management and interpretation of these lands, an efficient means of communication is seen as vital. For these reasons, a visitor centre is thought to be an essential feature of any developmental plans for this Park. To illustrate the need for this building, the natural resources have been studied together with the cultural settlement an attempt to draw together and understand present attitudes and future patterning in the inter-relationship of man and the lake head environment. To give the reader an indication to levels or visitor influences and the need for a visitor centre, chapter 3 outlines preferred areas of visitation by recreational users, and future trends as suggested from regional populations.