Conclusions
New Zealanders' free and open access to almost all parts of their Conservation Estate has been affected by a large recent increase in overseas users. Nevertheless, restricted access is confined, for the most part, to the more popular and easier walking tracks, by hut booking systems and restrictions on camping. However the signs are that further such measures may well be needed in the future. When this study was undertaken, access was limited to the Milford and Routeburn Tracks by hut booking systems and restrictions of camping. More recently these have been implemented on the Abel Tasman Coastal Track. This report has shown a high level of satisfaction with the experiences gained and the satisfaction of the motivations for a backcountry experience, but it is clear that there are significant perceptions of crowding and some environmental and noise pollution. It is equally clear that actual displacement, in various forms, has occurred and that there is a potential reservoir of more.
In the absence of large sample national studies in the past, it is unclear at what rate levels of crowding and associated phenomena are increasing, but it seems likely that they are doing so at least at the rate of visitor increase. Further studies of this type will be necessary in the future to monitor patterns of change and their implications. Equally, there is a clear need for a comparable analysis of environments that other research has shown to be under pressure. These include the frontcountry and other sensitive places such as wild and scenic rivers and the South Island high country.
This report is a general overview, but it seems clear that growing use, particularly by overseas visitors, and its consequences will require more and more restrictions to be placed on the most popular backcountry venues. It seems inevitable then, that, without further management intervention, further displacement will take place with associated physical and social impacts as wilderness carrying capacities are breached. At some point, New Zealanders will recognise that their culture of free access has been compromised, with almost inevitable resentment following. As to when that will be, and what form it will take, remains unclear, but, given the data and attitudes presented in this study, it cannot be too far in the future.