Sport NZ Sport and Recreation Knowledge Library: New Zealand-based sport and recreation research

Wilderness Within World Heritage: Te Wahipounamu, New Zealand Research Completed

Title

Wilderness Within World Heritage: Te Wahipounamu, New Zealand

Lead Author

Molloy, L. & Reedy, M.

Organisation(s)

US Forest Service

Publication Year

2000

Publisher

US Forest Service

Contacts

Further information is available on the US Forest Service website and publications page.

Department of Conservation publications also cover NZ Wilderness

Abstract

The Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area, 2.6 million hectares (6,424,600 acres) of mountains, glaciers, forests, and fiords, contains New Zealand’s main wilderness resource. The Department of Conservation’s comprehensive Visitor Strategy has been used to manage visitors to the widely differing sites within the World Heritage Area system. Most management effort is focused on the increasing number of visitors who require access and facilities in the frontcountry, and the large group of discerning backcountry users who use the “Great Walks.” Four wilderness areas, making up 10 percent of the World Heritage Area, are strictly managed for wilderness recreation, and there are proposals to designate two additional areas for wilderness users.Unresolved management issues are: the need for more marine conservation, the need for better control of introduced animal pests, and the disruption of natural quiet by tourist flights.

Keywords:

Tourism, Natural Resources, Tourism management, Great Walk, Track, Trail, Walk, Tramp

How to access

Areas of Focus

Settings (location)

Provision (delivery type & infrastructure)

Coast and beach, Mountains, National Parks