The Forgotten Islands: Monitoring Tourist Numbers and Managing Tourism Impacts on New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands

New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Area for their unique biodiversity and pristine landscapes, face growing tourism pressures despite limited data on visitor impacts. A recent study reveals that while tourist numbers have increased, particularly from small vessels like yachts, monitoring efforts remain fragmented, with only sporadic records since the mid-1990s. The research highlights significant gaps in understanding the environmental and cultural effects of tourism, including wildlife disruption and soil vegetation changes. Drawing on stakeholder interviews and secondary data, the study calls for a comprehensive visitor monitoring program to assess both ecological consequences and visitor experiences, aligning with the 2016 Conservation Management Strategy's recommendations.

Stewart, E., Espiner, S., Liggett, D., & Taylor, Z. (2017). The Forgotten Islands: Monitoring Tourist Numbers and Managing Tourism Impacts on New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands. Resources, 6(3), 38. https://doi.org/10.3390/resources6030038