Publication Date
1993
Description
Over 3 000 000 ha of the South Island high country is Crown (i.e. Govemmcnt)-owned land, held under pastoral lease or conservation estate. There is increasing pressure from recreationists for access to land under both tenures. Permits from Crown agents, with agreement from land occupiers, are required for commercial recreation. Access for non-commercial recreation on pastoral lease land is generally through direct negotiation with the lessee. Conflicts between high country users are occurring where recreation pressure is greatest. A case study in the Remarkables Range near the mountain resort of Queenstown, shows domination by the primary users (pastoral lessees and the conservation agent) to the potential detriment of recreationists. A more-market driven approach could advantage commercial recreation and maximise income but may disadvantage conservation and non-commercial recreation. A planning approach may provide the best compromise for all users but would incur costs of planning and administration. Management approaches should not be chosen until outcomes have been decided through well-informed public debate.
Citation
Murray, P H.; Robertson, D M.; and Mason, C R., "Integration of Recreation with Pastoral Use and Conservation in the High Country of South Island, New Zealand" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 3.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session50/3
Included in
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Integration of Recreation with Pastoral Use and Conservation in the High Country of South Island, New Zealand
Over 3 000 000 ha of the South Island high country is Crown (i.e. Govemmcnt)-owned land, held under pastoral lease or conservation estate. There is increasing pressure from recreationists for access to land under both tenures. Permits from Crown agents, with agreement from land occupiers, are required for commercial recreation. Access for non-commercial recreation on pastoral lease land is generally through direct negotiation with the lessee. Conflicts between high country users are occurring where recreation pressure is greatest. A case study in the Remarkables Range near the mountain resort of Queenstown, shows domination by the primary users (pastoral lessees and the conservation agent) to the potential detriment of recreationists. A more-market driven approach could advantage commercial recreation and maximise income but may disadvantage conservation and non-commercial recreation. A planning approach may provide the best compromise for all users but would incur costs of planning and administration. Management approaches should not be chosen until outcomes have been decided through well-informed public debate.
