Visitor use of the Heaphy Track Research Completed

Title

Visitor use of the Heaphy Track

Lead Author

Rhodda, S. PhD

Organisation(s)

Tai Putini Polytechnic, Report commissioned by Development West Coast

Publication Year

2007

Publisher

Development West Coast

Contacts

Sandra Rhodda, contact information and profile, The New Zealand Tourism Research Institute at AUT: www.nztri.org/sandra-rhodda

Tai Poutini Polytechnic Greymouth contact information: http://tpp.ac.nz/contact.php

Development West Coast Heaphy Track Survey: www.dwc.org.nz/Regional-Partnerships/MRI/Heaphy-Track/

Abstract

This report was commissioned by the West Coast Development Trust to look at the current usage of the Heaphy Track, and how the track could influence and enhance the tourism industry in the Karamea region and northern Buller. A survey was conducted of track users in high and low seasons, and data collected on their nationality (mostly New Zealanders), gender, age education levels. The survey collected information on time spent on track (a third were day walkers and the rest full track walkers), huts used, information sources used by walkers, accommodation and transport arrangements. Walkers’ opinion of the track was canvased along with motivating factors. A survey of information centres in the area canvased the types of information sought about track usage. The report makes several recommendations including encouraging day walkers, improving local accommodation options, improving information sources, and managing track crowding.

Keywords:

Heaphy, Walkers, Walks, Great walk, Kahurangi National Park, Park, National Park, Impact, Survey, Tourism, Tramp, Track

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Added

June 27, 2012

Last Modified

June 27, 2012