The prediction of user types and user demands using recreation opportunities: Wellington west coast

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between site type, user type and user demand at ten Wellington West Coast locations between Makara Beach and Waiterere Beach. It evaluates the recreational opportunities available at the sites as a means of anticipating user types and activities. Coastal management can then ensure beach visitor predetermined expectations are fulfilled without compromising environmental sustainability. To identify the relationship between the environment and human activities, three hypotheses have been tested. First, the sites with similar recreation opportunities will host similar users. Second, similar user types will have similar demands. Third, the type and demands of users at a site maybe predicted using the site type evaluation. The testing of these hypotheses indicate the usefulness of the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS), a classification of sites by their recreation opportunities, for resource managers at the coast. The sites have been assessed using eight physical attribute tests to create four ROS classes. The Activity Scale Index (ASI) also classified the sites into six classes based on the proportion of active activity users collected via interviews of beach user groups (n=714). A comparison of these two data sets resulted in a number of conclusions. First, sites with similar physical attributes will host similar types of users attempting to fulfil similar predetermined expectations. However, the site type does not control the type and magnitude of user demands. The comparison of the ROS and ASI classification showed that the 'natural' sites hosted a narrow age group range and young visitor population conducting predominantly active activities. Localised influences and other motivational factors such as surf conditions were identified as reasons for Titahi Bay and Pekapeka Beach not fitting the suggested ASI/ ROS class trend. The study also showed that the user demands were not a function of the user types. All sites, regardless of their ASI or ROS classification, had similar user demands for features identified as prerequisites. These include a 'natural' coastal view, an adequate beach area and safe accessibility for all users. The study required further sampling of visitor numbers to determine the type and magnitude of demands for each type of recreation experience. The ROS is recommended as a multidisciplinary approach to assist resource managers at the coast. It can enable resource managers to anticipate the user type and activities of a site based on the site's recreation opportunities. The study also identified key prerequisites of users that should be acknowledged in site development plans. With further research, a diverse range of recreation opportunities can be provided without compromising environmental sustainability at the coast.