The visitor experience at Franz Josef Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, New Zealand Research Completed
Title
The visitor experience at Franz Josef Glacier, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, New Zealand
Lead Author
Stephen Espiner , Jude Wilson
Organisation(s)
Department of Conservation
Publication Year
2013
Publisher
Espiner Consulting Ltd
Contacts
Ian Wightwick
Science & Capability Group, Department of Conservation, Hokitika
Abstract
In order to monitor the quality of the visitor experience at Franz Josef Glacier Valley, Espiner Consulting (Ltd) was commissioned by the Department of Conservation (DOC) to develop and implement a visitor survey during the 2012/13 summer. A total of 525 surveys were completed over the survey period during December, January and February.
The survey was designed to measure visitors’ satisfaction with their visit overall and with the facilities and services provided in the valley, along with their perceptions of crowding. In addition, opinions around a range of experience characteristics (and potential changes to these) are explored. Visitor data collected includes past visitation, visit group characteristics and demographic data.
Other questions in the survey reflect recent changes to the accessiblity of the glacier and explore levels of visitor interest in, and the potential impacts on the visitor experience, of proposals changes.
Limited comparisons are made with previous surveys carried out in the Glacier Valley.
Keywords: Glaciers, Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Tourism, Impacts
How to access
Areas of Focus
Population Groups
Settings (location)
Provision (delivery type & infrastructure)
Topics
Sport and Recreation Types
Views
1934
Added
June 26, 2013