TOURISM ON NEW-ZEALAND SUB-ANTARCTIC ISLANDS

Sub-Antarctic islands managed as Nature Reserves by New Zealand are increasingly attractive tourism destinations. This requires regulation to ensure tourist needs are satisfied without environmental degradation. Data from a preliminary survey of shipborne tourists include demographic profiles, motivations and expectations, degree of visit satisfaction, values attached to the islands, and perceptions of impacts on the environment and wildlife. Comparison of responses before and after visits provides insight into issues of tourism management of these island reserves, and for planning and conducting tourist cruises at remote, environmentally sensitive destinations. Based on this preliminary survey, ways in which further surveys will be continued are discussed.