A National Park Revisited Assessing Change in Recreational Use of Arthur's Pass National Park

Abstract

ABSTRACTAt a time of increasing visitation and activity diversification, the relationship between use and conservation of New Zealand's national parks is under scrutiny. During this period it is especially important that resource use is understood and monitored over time. Using a replicative format this paper documents the findings of two visitation studies undertaken in Arthur's Pass National Park fifteen years apart. The findings suggest that, despite some strong elements of stability, there are indications of considerable change in use patterns at this site. Data presented are acquiescent in supporting the thesis that Arthur's Pass National Park is undergoing a transition initially shaped by wider social and economic pressures and manifest at the Park by increasing use for commercial purposes, an intensification of use, and increasing numbers of visitors from overseas. While continued research into visitation trends is encouraged, the authors also advise that the challenge of replicative studies in natural resource settings should not be underestimated.