DOC South Westland area manager Wayne Costello, commissioned Espiner Consulting Ltd to carry out the surveys of 1717 people.
"Warming climates and glacial recession present challenges for the continuation of easy and safe access to the ice and increased the necessity for aircraft use," Mr Costello said.
The surveys would help DOC and the West Coast Conservation Board consider submissions on proposed amendments to the Westland Tai Poutini National Park Management Plan, including whether to extend road access closer to the glacier terminal face.
"This survey has provided valuable information on how visitors to the valleys feel about aircraft noise and it is our responsibility to respond. This will require all parties involved with glacier tourism to work together, to ensure the glacier valleys remain the No 1 drawcard on the Coast."
Mr Costello said the Westland glaciers and a walk on a glacier were still the top attractions on the West Coast and maintaining quality experiences and supporting tourism in the region was of paramount importance to DOC.
- The Greymouth Star