Exploring motivations for adventure recreation events: a New Zealand study

Abstract

Adventure recreation events are a relatively new form of leisure that have become increasingly popular since the 1990s, yet little is known about motivations for participation. In this study, participant motivations were investigated through an interpretive methodology and the theoretical framework of self-determination theory (SDT). Exploratory, in-depth interviews with 22 participants in six different New Zealand events revealed intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, some of which overlap with motivations previously found for endurance sports and others which are also associated with outdoor recreation. In addition, two sets of dynamic relationships between motivations appear to exist: one set is competence, challenge and self-responsibility and the other is adventure, place and identity. These relationships need closer investigation. There is wide scope for further research that extends understanding of motivation for adventure recreation events beyond the context studied.