Visitor satisfactions, impact perceptions, and attitudes toward management options on the Rakiura Track Research Completed
Title
Visitor satisfactions, impact perceptions, and attitudes toward management options on the Rakiura Track
Lead Author
Cessford, G.
Organisation(s)
Department of Conservation
Publication Year
1998
Publisher
Department of Conservation
Contacts
Abstract
Walkers on the Rakiura Track in Stewart Island were surveyed during January and February 1994, as part of a wider study of track users in New Zealand. Their visit evaluations were highly positive, suggesting little dissatisfaction or any need for urgent management action. Other results indicated that further improvements to visit quality would be best achieved through improving the use of space in huts. Notable dissatisfaction with track standards was indicated, although some dissatisfaction related to under-development of the track, and some related to over-development. Perceptions of crowding were low, but assessment of social and physical impact perceptions indicated that visitexperience problems would gradually emerge with future increase in use-levels, particularly because of greater hut congestion. Visitors favoured informationbased management to address these increasing use-pressures rather than more regulatory controls. Current low crowding levels suggest that time is available to allow information-based approaches being applied as the main means for achieving long-term control, without more direct measures being required at present.
Keywords:
Track, Trail, Walk, Tramp, Survey, Satisfaction, Rakiura Track
How to access
Areas of Focus
Population Groups
Settings (location)
Provision (delivery type & infrastructure)
Topics
Views
1567
Added
July 16, 2012