Dimensions of visitor resilience to natural hazards in conservation areas of New Zealand

Abstract

Conservation areas of New Zealand present diverse recreation opportunities to visitors, many of which involve exposure to a range of natural hazards. Using a social-ecological systems approach, this paper outlines the dimensions contributing to visitor resilience to natural hazards in conservation settings (the conservation-recreation SES), based on an online survey of domestic visitors to conservation areas, supplemented by interviews with this cohort. Interviews were also conducted with key stakeholders aligned to New Zealand’s public conservation areas. Findings reveal that a range of factors influence the resilience of visitors to conservation areas in New Zealand. One major theme was the challenges associated with managing recreation and tourism assets for visitors with different levels of experience and ability. Dimensions of resilience related to individual characteristics of the visitors including attitudes towards personal responsibility for safety, and a willingness and preparedness to adapt plans. These findings have implications for policy and practice for both conservation area managers and tourism providers.