Exploring visitor experiences, crowding perceptions and coping strategies on the Milford Track, New Zealand

Kay Booth , Gordon R. Cessford, Stephen F. McCool, Stephen Espiner

Lindis Consulting, Visitor Solutions, Missoula (USA), Lincoln University

2011

Department of Conservation, Science of Conservation Series 313

General Manager, Research and Development

Department of Conservation

National Office
Phone:   +64 4 471 0726
Fax:   +64 4 381 3057
Email:   enquiries@doc.govt.nz 

This study investigated the factors that influence visitors’ experiences and, in particular, how visitors cope in response to social impacts such as crowding. This topic was investigated via interviews with 56 independent walkers on the Milford Track, Fiordland National Park, New Zealand.

Interviews utilised a variety of question styles to elicit information; an approach that provided comprehensive insight into interviewees’ experiences. The study set out to identify the factors that influenced walkers’ recreation experiences and the relative importance of these; what mechanisms walkers used to cope with negative impacts; and what opportunities are available to managers to influence these factors and, hence, the walkers’ experiences.

The study identified six primary dimensions associated with ‘the Milford Track experience’: national identity, scenery appreciation, iconic status, uniqueness, social bonds and personal challenge. The factors that influenced the experience that walkers obtained included management regulations (uni-directional track, booking system, one-night stays, no camping), track/facility standard and design, the weather, and the social interactions within and between groups. Walkers’ prior experience exerted a strong influence upon their visit evaluations. Walkers gave high overall ratings to their Milford Track experience, despite also reporting some negative aspects, most of which were related to behaviour around huts and disturbance in the bunkrooms. Walkers demonstrated a very high degree of coping behaviour, and employed a variety of strategies. Most people utilised emotional/cognitive strategies, with a very small number employing direct (behavioural) strategies.

Implications for park management and recommendations for further research are presented.

Keywords:

Visitor experience, coping strategies, crowding, Milford Track,

Visit/Download now

Mixed-method

West Coast

Outdoor Recreation, Recreation

Outdoors

National Parks

Barriers, Delivery, Impacts- social, Management, Participation, Tourism

Tramping, Walking

1830

November 21, 2012

November 21, 2012