A management study of Temple Basin Skifield, Arthur’s Pass National Park

This report is a management study of intensive use and its effects at Temple Basin Skifield. Temple Basin is a facilities area in Arthur's Pass National Park. Thus the provision of facilities there for public enjoyment is regarded as legitimate. Firstly, this study describes the patterns of use of existing facilities and amenities, and the existing impacts on the natural environment in order to highlight management issues of the present situation. However, there are pressures for change at Temple Basin which will affect the present situation. For example, long-standing pressures to improve access may well threaten the 'isolation' qualities which currently attract skiers to the area. Any changes in levels of use and spatial and seasonal patterns will affect the natural environment. There is a limit to the extent to which the natural environment should be allowed to degrade in order to cater for the changing demands of the public for enjoyment and benefit. Thus this study also investigates the consequences of some of the options for changes of use at Temple Basin. It considers the options for changes in the context of the historical evolution of Temple Basin as part of Arthur's Pass National Park, the special characteristics of the alpine environment that Temple Basin is, the users, the perceptions and satisfactions of users, the alternative opportunities in the region, and the trends which may affect use even given a decision for no change at Temple Basin. It sets out the implications of each option for the natural environment, the existing users, administration, and other relevant features such as safety and the relationship with the Arthur's Pass village. Such information can be used as a basis for management planning and decision-making at Temple Basin.