Environmental change and tourism at Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park: Stakeholder perspectives

Abstract

This report presents the findings from a qualitative study investigating the impacts of climate change-induced biophysical changes to resources housed within protected areas. The project follows a study which investigated biophysical changes, tourism stakeholder and management perspectives and challenges, and visitor use and experiences in Westland Tai Poutini National Park. Altogether, 15 interviews – with tourist operators and park managers at Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park – were undertaken in November 2014. While environmental (climate) changes were perceived to have directly impacted on visitor use of the park, they were commonly discussed in the context of broader changes in visitor behaviour and demand, and in the supply of nature-based tourism products. Biophysical and social changes to tourism and recreation within the park also impacted on, and were impacted by, management decisions and policies pertaining to conservation and visitor use.