The natural landscapes of New Zealand are a key attraction for domestic and
international visitors for a variety of recreation and leisure purposes. This paper
explores the interactions between heritage and recreational values for a region in
New Zealand known for its sublime landscape (Bell and Lyall 2002). The paper
discusses the transient movements and activities of visitors encountering this sociocultural
landscape, often seeking to view the iconic landmark - Aoraki/Mt Cook – part
of the Te Wahipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage area – which is
accessed via the Mackenzie Basin. Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park is a wilderness
region that has significance not only for local inhabitants but also for travellers
sightseeing and recreating in the area. Early inhabitants of the region – Māori from
the Kai Tahu iwi (tribe) - visited the Mackenzie Basin‟s numerous waterways and
lakes to gather mahika kai (traditional foods) and continue to have strong
associations with the area. Since European settlement in the mid 19th century the
Mackenzie landscape has been shaped by human activities, particularly farming,
tourism and recreation
