Women Travellers’ Adventure Tourism Experiences in New Zealand

Abstract

This paper deals with the adventure tourism experiences of women travellers in New Zealand, often considered the ‘adventure tourism capital of the world’. In this context adventure tourism means pitting oneself against nature in some way, in ‘New Zealand's Great Outdoors’ in a structured, provider organized day or half‐day trips (not expeditions). The objectives were to address a lack of literature addressing women tourist experiences of adventure tourism; to gain knowledge about what adventure activities the women chose; and to explore the possibility of the importance or benefits of such experiences to the women. The research draws upon feminist qualitative methods using in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 60 women travellers from around the world, of various ages, during a three‐month period. The interviewees were on the whole highly educated women, from predominately Western societies with an awareness of their own self‐development. Three themes emerged and the findings led to the following conclusions: Perceived risks taken during adventure activities provided the opportunity for personal challenge and with ultimate success the sense of achievement, pride, and increased confidence for the women. Overcoming personal fears such as a fear of heights empowered the women and gave them an informal qualification, a record of achievement, and a wealth of narrative to be retold to others, thus reinforcing positive experiences and achievements. Participating in activities within the landscapes of New Zealand provided the opportunity for emotional fulfilment, self‐perception and psychological development, special moments to treasure, and moments of pleasure where bodily senses were activated and heightened.