While the principal focus of this case study centred on Christchurch the environmental research component of the case study was directed toward Akaroa. Akaroa, unlike Christchurch, has a distinctive natural environmental setting upon which tourism depends. While other townships in Canterbury could have been chosen for the research, Akaroa has in its favour a relatively large stream of tourists.
The nature of environmental impacts on New Zealand tourism
New Zealand tourist numbers do not typically reach the saturation level of mass tourist resorts of Western Europe and the USA, but tourism’s impacts on the environment are nonetheless significant. Environmental impacts are typically most severe in areas dominated by sensitive natural attractions such as seal colonies. The most common of these negative impacts is the clearing of natural vegetation resulting in a loss of habitat for native birds, accelerated erosion and increased run-off, causing silting of rivers and beaches. Flooding may also result from increased run-off. Effluent disposal may result in pollution of water supplies and increased health problems like Giardia. Pollution may also result form landfill site seepage, boating fuel slicks and rubbish/litter. Visual pollution might result from inappropriate or intrusive architectural styles, signage and increasing urban sprawl. Noise and air pollution from tourist vehicles, aircraft, boats and jet ski are additional impacts. Large numbers of tourists may also interact with native wildlife, with potentially devastating results.
Negative impacts of tourism on Akaroa’s environment
- Pressure of visitor numbers on marine mammals – especially the Hector’s Dolphin
- Water shortages in summer have increased with tourism development
- The influx of tourists at peak times to Akaroa is placing additional strain on the town’s sewerage treatment system
- Rubbish disposal problems during peak season as a result of increased business (especially cafes and restaurants) and tourists dumping litter in road-side bins
- Vehicles cause noise, congestion and pollution in the tourist precinct (waterfront and main street)
The most serious of the environmental impacts of tourism in Akaroa is the increasing number of tourists affecting the town’s water supply, wastewater and solid waste system. Water shortages in the town have become increasingly frequent and severe. From October 2002 to January 2003, Lincoln University conducted three 4-day intensive surveys in Akaroa township. It was found that tourist demand on Akaroa’s water supply could be as high as 60 percent of the total daily peak water use. The strong positive correlation was found with respect to the volume of waste in street bins and the number of visitors to Akaroa.
References
Cullen, R., Dakers, A., McNicol, J., Meyer-Hubbert, G., Simmons, D.G. and Fairweather, J.R. (2003). Tourism: Waste and Water in Akaroa. Tourism Recreation Research and Education Centre (TRREC), Lincoln University, Report No. 38.
Shone, M.C., Simmons, D.G. and Fairweather, J.R. (2003). Community Perceptions of Tourism in Christchurch and Akaroa. Tourism Recreation Research and Education Centre (TRREC), Lincoln University, Report No. 34.
Learning activities
- Which of the typical negative environmental impacts of tourism on the environment throughout New Zealand are found in Akaroa?
- Which of the typical negative impacts are not found in Akaroa? Suggest reasons why this is the case