Canterbury sociology professor Dr Jarrod Gilbert said there would be very few people in New Zealand who did not recognise Macdonald's name or face.
"We simply cannot deny that this is an incredibly emotive issue, as much of crime is. Therefore the greatest problem he will face is the reactions from the public. Overcoming that ... will be incredibly difficult," Dr Gilbert said.
Dr Gilbert said Macdonald would also have to adjust to managing his own life again, and any changes in society since 2011.
A lack of a support network for Macdonald in the South Island - where he has to live - could also be a challenge amid public scrutiny.
But there was a flipside, Dr Gilbert said.
"It can inflict damage or hardship on those people that are released ... but it does ensure a scrutiny which, in this instance I would argue, will mean he's unlikely to reoffend.
"Certain crimes, regardless of their nature, hold a public fascination or they have a public scrutiny. And the crimes he was convicted for and the crime he was associated with but not convicted for are certainly those."
Professor John Pratt, director of Victoria University's Institute of Criminology, said Macdonald's notoriety would add to difficulties experienced by all released prisoners.
He said it was difficult for most because "many of them have very little to come out to" including lack of family, livelihood and home.
"In addition [for Macdonald] ... living with notoriety as well. All of these factors are going to come into play, so it won't be easy at all.
"It won't have been easy at all for him in prison either because he will have had quite a lot of fame because of this case, which would have marked him out as someone to target for a good number of prisoners, I imagine.
"It wouldn't surprise me if the same sort of thing happens on his release."
Journalist Mike White, who wrote a book about the case, told the Herald he hoped the public would allow Macdonald a second chance.
"I'd just hope that he's now able to get on with his life and hopefully contribute to society," he said.
"The notoriety that has followed him and continues to follow him is way out of proportion to the crimes he was convicted of, and he served an awful long time."
Four parole applications
Ewen Macdonald tried to gain parole three times before he was successful on October 16. He was released from prison less than three weeks later.
It has not been revealed where Macdonald has been living since his release, but his parole conditions restrict him to the South Island.
He was employed as a carpenter in an unnamed construction yard during his time at Rolleston Prison, the Parole Board said.
The board also said he had a "strong group of supporters" including family, friends and professionals.
A set of stringent parole conditions mean Macdonald will be GPS monitored, must stay home at night and is not allowed to own or use firearms or have any contact with victims of his offending.
