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Tramper perspectives on New Zealand's Great Walks in a time of transition
Author(s) -
Fagan Joe,
Kearns Robin
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
new zealand geographer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.335
H-Index - 25
eISSN - 1745-7939
pISSN - 0028-8144
DOI - 10.1111/nzg.12156
Subject(s) - wilderness , popularity , recreation , promotion (chess) , transition (genetics) , geography , advertising , public relations , sociology , political science , business , social psychology , psychology , ecology , law , politics , biochemistry , chemistry , gene , biology
‘Great Walks’ are highly managed multi‐day experiences established within New Zealand's national parks. We examine their history and promotion asking ‘ How have the contexts for recreational walking in the New Zealand wilderness changed? ’ and ‘ How are these changes regarded by trampers as practitioners of backcountry walking? ’ To address these questions, we draw on 703 responses to an online survey. We note a mixed regard for Great Walks among trampers. Some consider the wilderness experience as undermined by the popularity of these branded experiences while others note that they cater for a range of users, despite high costs reducing effective accessibility.