Exploring visitor experiences, crowding perceptions and coping strategies on the Milford Track, New Zealand Research Completed
Title
Exploring visitor experiences, crowding perceptions and coping strategies on the Milford Track, New Zealand
Lead Author
Kay Booth , Gordon R. Cessford, Stephen F. McCool, Stephen Espiner
Organisation(s)
Lindis Consulting, Visitor Solutions, Missoula (USA), Lincoln University
Publication Year
2011
Publisher
Department of Conservation, Science of Conservation Series 313
Contacts
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
Abstract
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,
How to access
Areas of Focus
Settings (location)
Provision (delivery type & infrastructure)
Topics
Sport and Recreation Types
Views
1824
Added
November 21, 2012
Last Modified
November 21, 2012