Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
outstanding scenery are primary motivations as identified by international visitors.
Indeed, Higham (1997:80) argued that this is a result that explains and entrenches the
overwhelming popularity of the high-status Great Walks (of New Zealand). The
reputations of the Milford, Routeburn and Kepler tracks are, in large part, explained by
outstanding opportunities to experience alpine scenery. While these tracks remain those
of unequalled scenic repute it is likely that inbound tourist interest in them will remain
high.
The eighteen variables listed appeared in random order in Higham's (1997) original
questionnaire. It is thus interesting to note the order in which variables appear in Table
7.7 when listed by mean response. When paired sequentially, the first ten listed variables
demonstrate consistency in terms of both motivation and mean response. Table 7.7
presents a clear impression of the motivations that attracted inbound tourists to visit the
walking tracks. These, in decreasing strength of motivation, were as follows:
1 To experience natural beauty and outstanding scenery.
2 To experience remote and relatively untouched nature.
3 To experience New Zealand's distinctive flora, fauna and natural systems.
Table 7.7:
Responses to variables listed in question
′Motivations for coming to this location′ (%)
Variable list
1
2
3
4
5
Mean
To appreciate the beauty of nature
85.6 11.4
1.8
0.3
0.6
1.2
Scenic beauty/naturalness
84.1 11.4
3.3
0.6
0.6
1.2
To encounter wilderness/untouched nature
61.6 25.5
7.2
3.6
1.2
1.6
To experience remoteness, peace and quiet
46.2 31.2 13.5
4.8
3.3
1.9
To see New Zealand's native birds and animals
38.9 30.7 18.8
8.5
2.1
2.1
To learn about NZ's flora/fauna/natural systems
28.3 32.5 21.7 12.3
4.8
2.3
For a totally new and different experience
30.9 21.6 23.7 14.4
9.0
2.5
To get away from life's pressures
34.2 22.8 16.2
9.6 15.3
2.5
To face the challenges of nature
24.9 24.9 21.6 13.8 12.6
2.7
To undertake strenuous physical exercise
22.8 23.7 23.4 15.6 12.0
2.8
To experience solitude
20.9 19.7 21.8 17.6 13.6
3.0
To meet people and make friends
12.9 18.0 30.2 21.6 16.8
3.1
Relax with family, friends or partner
23.1 17.4 17.1 10.5 30.3
3.1
Self-awareness/contemplation
14.2 21.1 25.1 18.1 15.7
3.2
To feel rejuvenated
18.8 14.8 21.2 11.8 24.8
3.3
To learn more about conservation/management issues
5.4
7.2 28.7 26.9 29.9
3.7
To confront hazards and take risks
5.7
8.7 21.0 24.6 37.5
3.9
To test mental skills (direction, mapping)
6.0
9.0 17.5 27.7 38.6
3.9
Strong motivation 1-2-3-4-5 No motivation
Where percentage figures do not total 100, the difference is explained by non-response to variables.
Source:
Higham (1997:81)
4 To escape civilisation and engage in something completely new and different.
5 To engage in the physical challenge that natural areas present.
