National Playgrounds

Tongariro National Park emerged as a pivotal destination for mass recreation and outdoor sports in New Zealand, driven by the proliferation of motor cars and targeted government investments. By the 1940s, winter visitor traffic surpassed summer flows, highlighting its year-round appeal. The study traces this transformation through historical accounts, including parliamentary debates and newspaper advertisements, revealing how infrastructure development—such as road construction and hotel upgrades—fueled tourism growth. It also underscores the park's dual role as a natural playground for picnicking and competitive sports, supported by government funding for facilities like the Mount Cook hotel.

(Ed.). (2014). National Playgrounds. Nature’s Spectacle, 205–240. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203495643-16