Susan joined the department in 2017. Her research integrates psychology and tourism by developing and applying positive psychology theories, such as flow, self-determination theory, and reversal theory, to adventure tourism, sport, recreation, and education contexts.
Her primary research focuses on:
Links between nature-based adventure and well-being for tourists, recreationalists, tourism guides, and/or host communities.
Links between outdoor adventure and motivation in physical activity and science education.
The regenerative tourism movement in Aotearoa, particularly in relation to community well-being
Translational research that applies theoretical developments into practical applications for the tourism industry.
Susan was previously a tourism practitioner in a diverse range of tourism industry roles globally (e.g. adventure guiding, tourism consulting) and she has worked alongside regional tourism organisations seeking to embrace regenerative planning and management processes.
Her applied projects include mental skill training workshops, developing management guidelines for adventure tourism operations, and consulting with government, non-profit, and tourism agencies, such as New Zealand riverboarding, the United States Forest Service, New Zealand Ministry of Tourism, and the History Channel. She serves on advisory boards for Tourism Central Otago, the Adventure Tourism Research Association, and the Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, and is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership.
Her work currently focuses on: nature-based adventure and well-being for tourists, guides, and hosts; regenerative tourism in Aotearoa; and refining the flow model of optimal experience. Susan's research seeks to translating theoretical developments into practical applications. Applications include using outdoor adventure to promote physical activity and science education; developing risk management frameworks and guide training for adventure tourism; mental skill training for youth athletes; and consulting with government, non-profit, and tourism agencies. She serves in advisory roles with the Central Otago Tourism Advisory Board, the Adventure Tourism Research Association, and the Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, and as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership.
Publications
Houge Mackenzie, S., Boudreau, P., & Hodge, K. (2023). Evaluating a model of flow and clutch optimal psychological states in adventure recreation. Leisure Sciences. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/01490400.2023.2261917
Journal - Research Article
Houge Mackenzie, S. (2023). Your move chief: What can Good Will Hunting teach us about AI and outdoor adventure? [Contribution to the article The impact of artificial intelligence on adventure education and outdoor learning: International perspectives]. Journal of Adventure Education & Outdoor Learning. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/14729679.2023.2248302
Journal - Research Other
Schnitzer, M., Houge Mackenzie, S., & Kopp, M. (2023). Editorial: Planetary health challenges and physical activity. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 1240097. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1240097
Journal - Research Other
Jackson, S. A., Eklund, R. C., Gordon, A., Norsworthy, C., Houge Mackenzie, S., Hodge, K., & Stephen, S. A. (2023). Flow and outdoor adventure recreation: Using flow measures to re-examine motives for participation. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 67, 102427. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102427
Journal - Research Article
Rahmani, Z., Houge Mackenzie, S., & Carr, A. (2023). How virtual wellness retreat experiences may influence psychological well-being. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Management. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1016/j.jhtm.2023.03.007
Journal - Research Article
Houge Mackenzie, S., Hodge, K., & Filep, S. (2023). How does adventure sport tourism enhance well-being? A conceptual model. Tourism Recreation Research, 48(1), 3-16. doi: 10.1080/02508281.2021.1894043
Journal - Research Article
Frühauf, A., Houge Mackenzie, S., Boudreau, P., Hodge, K., & Kopp, M. (2022). Multiple motives for adventure sport revisited: A multi-activity investigation. Leisure Sciences. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1080/01490400.2022.2126910
Journal - Research Article
Valdivielso Martínez, E., & Houge Mackenzie, S. (2022). Climate change and adventure guiding: The role of nature connection in guide wellbeing. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 946093. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.946093
Journal - Research Article
Rahmani, Z., Houge Mackenzie, S., & Carr, A. (2022). How virtual wellness retreats may influence psychological well-being. Proceedings of the 31st Council for Australasian Tourism & Hospitality Education (CAUTHE) Annual Conference: Shaping the Next Normal in Tourism, Hospitality and Events. (pp. 63). [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Boudreau, P., Houge Mackenzie, S., & Hodge, K. (2022). Adventure-based mindsets helped maintain psychological well-being during COVID-19. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 62, 102245. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102245
Journal - Research Article
Jenkins, M., Lee, C., Houge Mackenzie, S., Hargreaves, E. A., Hodge, K., & Calverley, J. (2022). Nature-based physical activity and hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing: The mediating roles of motivational quality and nature relatedness. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 783840. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.783840
Journal - Research Article
Beames, S., Houge Mackenzie, S., & Raymond, E. (2022). How can we adventure sustainably? A systematized review of sustainability guidance for adventure tourism operators. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Management, 50, 223-231. doi: 10.1016/j.jhtm.2022.01.002
Journal - Research Other
Boudreau, P., Houge Mackenzie, S., & Hodge, K. (2022). Optimal psychological states in advanced climbers: Antecedents, characteristics, and consequences of flow and clutch states. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 60, 102155. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102155
Journal - Research Article
Cheng, M., Houge Mackenzie, S., & Degarege, G. A. (2022). Airbnb impacts on host communities in a tourism destination: An exploratory study of stakeholder perspectives in Queenstown, New Zealand. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 30(5), 1122-1140. doi: 10.1080/09669582.2020.1802469
Journal - Research Article
Houge Mackenzie, S., & Raymond, E. (2021). Women's adventure guiding experiences: Challenges and opportunities. In M. Baker, N. Carr & E. J. Stewart (Eds.), Leisure activities in the outdoors: Learning, developing and challenging. (pp. 90-102). Wallingford, UK: CAB International. doi: 10.1079/9781789248203.0008
Chapter in Book - Research
Hargreaves, E. A., Lee, C., Jenkins, M., Calverley, J. R., Hodge, K., & Houge Mackenzie, S. (2021). Changes in physical activity levels pre-, during and post-lockdown COVID-19 restrictions in New Zealand and the explanatory role of daily hassles. Frontiers in Psychology, 642954, 642954. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.642954
Journal - Research Article
Houge Mackenzie, S. (2021). Emerging psychological wellbeing frameworks for adventure recreation, education, and tourism. In E. Brymer, M. Rogerson & J. Barton (Eds.), Nature and health: Physical activity in nature. (pp. 147-159). New York, NY: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003154419
Chapter in Book - Research
Jenkins, M., Houge Mackenzie, S., Hodge, K., Hargreaves, E. A., Calverley, J. R., & Lee, C. (2021). Physical activity and psychological well-being during the COVID-19 lockdown: Relationships with motivational quality and nature contexts. Frontiers in Sports & Active Living, 3, 637576. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2021.637576
Journal - Research Article
Houge Mackenzie, S., & Goodnow, J. (2021). Adventure in the age of COVID-19: Embracing microadventures and locavism in a post-pandemic world. Leisure Sciences, 43(1-2), 62-69. doi: 10.1080/01490400.2020.1773984
Journal - Research Other
Houge Mackenzie, S., Boudreau, P., & Raymond, E. (2020). Women’s adventure tour guiding experiences: Implications for well-being. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Management, 45, 410-418. doi: 10.1016/j.jhtm.2020.09.006
Journal - Research Article
Houge Mackenzie, S., & Raymond, E. (2020). A conceptual model of adventure tour guide well-being. Annals of Tourism Research, 84, 102977. doi: 10.1016/j.annals.2020.102977
Journal - Research Article
Parsons, H., Houge Mackenzie, S., & Filep, S. (2020). New perspectives on tour guiding: Mediating spiritual tourist experiences. Proceedings of the 30th Council for Australasian University Tourism & Hospitality Education (CAUTHE) Annual Conference: 20:20 Vision: New Perspectives on the Diversity of Hospitality, Tourism and Events. Auckland, New Zealand: Auckland University of Technology. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Boudreau, P., Houge Mackenzie, S., & Hodge, K. (2020). Flow states in adventure recreation: A systematic review and thematic synthesis. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 46, 101611. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2019.101611
Journal - Research Article
Parsons, H., Houge Mackenzie, S., Filep, S., & Brymer, E. (2020). Subjective well-being and leisure. In W. L. Filho, T. Wall, A. M. Azul, L. Brandli & P. G. Özuyar (Eds.), Good health and well-being: Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. (pp. 678-687). Cham, Switzerland: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-95681-7
Chapter in Book - Research
Houge Mackenzie, S., & Hodge, K. (2020). Adventure recreation and subjective well-being: A conceptual framework. Leisure Studies, 39(1), 26-40. doi: 10.1080/02614367.2019.1577478
Journal - Research Article
Houge Mackenzie, S., & Brymer, E. (2020). Conceptualizing adventurous nature sport: A positive psychology perspective. Annals of Leisure Research, 23(1), 79-91. doi: 10.1080/11745398.2018.1483733
Journal - Research Article
Kerr, J. H., & Houge Mackenzie, S. (2020). ‘I don’t want to die. That’s not why I do it at all’: Multifaceted motivation, psychological health, and personal development in BASE jumping. Annals of Leisure Research, 23(2), 223-242. doi: 10.1080/11745398.2018.1483732
Journal - Research Article
Parsons, H., Houge Mackenzie, S., & Filep, S. (2019). Facilitating self-development: How tour guides broker spiritual tourism experiences. In T. Walters, R. Kerr & E. J. Stewart (Eds.), The Diversity of Leisure: Proceedings of the Australian and New Zealand Association for Leisure Studies (ANZALS) 14th Biennial Conference. (pp. 93-94). Dunedin, New Zealand: Department of Tourism, University of Otago. Retrieved from https://www.otago.ac.nz/anzals2019
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Houge Mackenzie, S. (2019). Women's outdoor leadership experiences: A psychological well-being perspective. In T. Walters, R. Kerr & E. J. Stewart (Eds.), The Diversity of Leisure: Proceedings of the Australian and New Zealand Association for Leisure Studies (ANZALS) 14th Biennial Conference. (pp. 72). Dunedin, New Zealand: Department of Tourism, University of Otago. Retrieved from https://www.otago.ac.nz/anzals2019
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Boudreau, P., Houge Mackenzie, S., & Hodge, K. (2019). A systematic review of the optimal state of flow in adventure recreation. In T. Walters, R. Kerr & E. J. Stewart (Eds.), The Diversity of Leisure: Proceedings of the Australian and New Zealand Association for Leisure Studies (ANZALS) 14th Biennial Conference. (pp. 50-51). Dunedin, New Zealand: Department of Tourism, University of Otago. Retrieved from https://www.otago.ac.nz/anzals2019
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Houge Mackenzie, S. (2019). Well-being and adventure: Women's experiences of adventure guiding. Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society with IBG (RGS-IBG) Annual International Conference: Geographies of Trouble / Geographies of Hope. Retrieved from http://conference.rgs.org/AC2019
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Parsons, H., Houge Mackenzie, S., & Filep, S. (2019). Facilitating self-development: How tour guides broker spiritual tourist experiences. Tourism Recreation Research, 44(2), 141-152. doi: 10.1080/02508281.2019.1582159
Journal - Research Article
Lovelock, B., Houge Mackenzie, S., Gnoth, J., & Slooten, L. (2018, June). Sustainability of tourism in New Zealand. Panel discussion at the University of Otago Winter Symposium Series, Invercargill, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Houge Mackenzie, S., Son, J. S., & Eitel, K. (2018). Using outdoor adventure to enhance intrinsic motivation and engagement in science and physical activity: An exploratory study. Journal of Outdoor Recreation & Tourism, 21, 76-86. doi: 10.1016/j.jort.2018.01.008
Journal - Research Article
Hogue Mackenzie, S. (2017, May). Understanding adventure tourism experiences through positive psychology frameworks: Implications for guided tours. Department of Tourism, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. [Department Seminar].
Other Research Output
Son, J. S., Houge Mackenzie, S., Eitel, K., & Luvaas, E. (2017). Engaging youth in physical activity and STEM subjects through outdoor adventure education. Journal of Outdoor & Environmental Education, 20(2), 32-44.
Journal - Research Article
Houge Mackenzie, S., Schwab, K., Higgins, L., Greenwood, P. B., Goldenberg, M., Greenwood, J., & Hendricks, W. W. (2017). From social media to the outdoors: Exploring messages that connect with underserved urban youth. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education & Leadership, 9(2), 137-151. doi: 10.18666/JOREL-2017-V9-I2-8231
Journal - Research Article
Houge Mackenzie, S., & Kerr, J. (2017). Co-creation and experience brokering in guided adventure tours. In S. Filep, J. Laing & M. Csikszentmihalyi (Eds.), Positive tourism. (pp. 185-201). Taylor & Francis. doi: 10.4324/9781315707129
Chapter in Book - Research
Houge Mackenzie, S., & Kerr, J. H. (2017). Positive motivational experience over a three-day outdoor adventure trek in Peru. Journal of Adventure Education & Outdoor Learning, 17(1), 4-17. doi: 10.1080/14729679.2016.1189837
Journal - Research Article
Brymer, E., & Houge Mackenzie, S. (2017). Psychology and the extreme sport experience. In F. Feletti (Ed.), Extreme sports medicine. (pp. 3-13). Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-28265-7_1
Chapter in Book - Research
Schwab, K., Houge Mackenzie, S., Hendricks, W. W., Higgins, L. M., Goldenberg, M., Greenwood, J., & Greenwood, B. (2016). Stay on your smartphone! Social media messages that connect youths with nature. Parks & Recreation, 51(11), 14-16.
Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Karp, G. G., Houge Mackenzie, S., Son, J. S., Brown, H., & Kern, A. L. (2016). Facilitating collaborative interdisciplinary research: Exploring process and implications for leisure scholars. Leisure / Loisir, 40(2), 201-223. doi: 10.1080/14927713.2016.1220259
Journal - Research Article
Battista, R., West, S. T., Houge Mackenzie, S., & Son, J. (2016). Is this exercise? No, it's geocaching! Exploring factors related to aspects of geocaching participation. Journal of Park & Recreation Administration, 34(2), 30-48. doi: 10.18666/JPRA-2016-V34-I2-6495
Journal - Research Article
Clough, P., Houge Mackenzie, S., Mallabon, L., & Brymer, E. (2016). Adventurous physical activity environments: A mainstream intervention for mental health. Sports Medicine, 46(7), 963-968. doi: 10.1007/s40279-016-0503-3
Journal - Research Article
Son, J., West, S., Battista, R., & Houge Mackenzie, S. (2015). Exploring factors related to geocaching participation. Proceedings of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA): Congress & Exposition. Ashburn, USA: National Recreation and Park Association. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Houge Mackenzie, S., Schwab, K., Higgins, L., Greenwood, B., Goldenberg, M., Greenwood, J., & Hendricks, W. W. (2015). Engaging urban youth with natural areas: Messaging that resonates. Proceedings of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA): Congress & Exposition. Ashburn, USA: National Recreation and Park Association. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Brymer, E., & Houge Mackenzie, S. (2015). The impact of extreme sports on host communities’ psychological growth and development. In Y. Reisinger (Ed.), Transformational tourism: Host perspectives. (pp. 129-140). CABI.
Chapter in Book - Research
Houge Mackenzie, S. (2015). Mountaineering tourism experience and the protective frame: A reversal theory perspective. In G. Musa, J. Higham & A. Thompson-Carr (Eds.), Mountaineering tourism. (pp. 186-197). Abingdon, UK: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781315769202
Chapter in Book - Research
Houge Mackenzie, S. (2015). The evolution of adventure tourism in Aotearoa/New Zealand: Current trends & future issues. In R. Black & K. S. Bricker (Eds.), Adventure programming and travel for the 21st century. (pp. 27-34). Venture Publishing.
Chapter in Book - Research
Houge Mackenzie, S. (2015). Using emerging methodologies to examine adventure recreation and tourism experiences: A critical analysis. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education & Leadership, 7(2), (pp. 173-175). doi: 10.18666/JOREL-2015-V7-I2-7013
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Boyes, M., & Houge Mackenzie, S. (2015). Concepts of the wilderness experience and adventure mountaineering tourism. In G. Musa, J. Higham & A. Thompson-Carr (Eds.), Mountaineering tourism. (pp. 66-84). Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.
Chapter in Book - Research
Hollenhorst, S. J., Houge-Mackenzie, S., & Ostergren, D. M. (2014). The trouble with tourism. Tourism Recreation Research, 39(3), 305-319. doi: 10.1080/02508281.2014.11087003
Journal - Research Article
Houge Mackenzie, S., & Kerr, J. H. (2014). The psychological experience of river guiding: Exploring the protective frame and implications for guide well-being. Journal of Sport & Tourism, 19(1), 5-27. doi: 10.1080/14775085.2014.967796
Journal - Research Article
Houge Mackenzie, S., Son, J. S., & Hollenhorst, S. (2014). Unifying psychology and experiential education: Toward an integrated understanding of why it works. Journal of Experiential Education, 37(1), 75-88. doi: 10.1177/1053825913518894
Journal - Research Article
Kerr, J. H., & Houge Mackenzie, S. (2014). Confidence frames and the mastery of new challenges in the motivation of an expert skydiver. Sport Psychologist, 28(3), 221-232. doi: 10.1123/tsp.2013-0069
Journal - Research Article
Hougham, R. J., Miller, B., Eitel, K., Houge Mackenzie, S., Son, J. S., & Thompson, G. (2013). Adventure learning to promote greenSTEM education and physical activity in schools [Extended abstract]. Proceedings of the 13th Symposium on Experimental Education Research (SEER) at the 41st Annual International Association for Experiential Education (AEE) Conference. (pp. 74-77). Retrieved from http://www.aee.org/seer
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Houge Mackenzie, S., & Kerr, J. (2013). Toward theoretical understanding of adventure guide experiences through autoethnography. In J. Fountain & K. Moore (Eds.), Proceedings of the Council for Australian University Tourism and Hospitality Education (CAUTHE) Annual Conference: Tourism and Global Change: On the Edge of Something Big. (pp. 357-360). Christchurch, New Zealand: Lincoln University. [Full Paper]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper
Houge Mackenzie, S. (2013). Beyond thrill-seeking: Exploring multiple motives for adventure participation. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education & Leadership, 5(2), 136-139. doi: 10.7768/1948-5123.1212
Journal - Research Article
Houge Mackenzie, S., & Kerr, J. H. (2013). Can't we all just get along? Emotions and the team guiding experience in adventure tourism. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 2(2), 85-93. doi: 10.1016/j.jdmm.2013.03.003
Journal - Research Article
Houge Mackenzie, S., & Kerr, J. H. (2013). Stress and emotions at work: An adventure tourism guide's experiences. Tourism Management, 36, 3-14. doi: 10.1016/j.tourman.2012.10.018
Journal - Research Article
Hodge, K., & Houge Mackenzie, S. (2013, November). Well-being in the wilderness: Self-determination theory & outdoor education. Verbal presentation at the Sixth International Outdoor Education Research Conference, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Houge Mackenzie, S., Hodge, K., & Boyes, M. (2013). The multiphasic and dynamic nature of flow in adventure experiences. Journal of Leisure Research, 45(2), 214-232.
Journal - Research Article
Houge Mackenzie, S., & Kerr, J. H. (2012). Client experiences in mountaineering tourism and implications for outdoor leaders. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education & Leadership, 4(2), 112-115. doi: 10.7768/1948-5123.1159
Journal - Research Article
Kerr, J. H., & Houge Mackenzie, S. (2012). Multiple motives for participating in adventure sports. Psychology of Sport & Exercise, 13(5), 649-657. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2012.04.002
Journal - Research Article
Houge Mackenzie, S., & Kerr, J. H. (2012). Head-mounted cameras and stimulated recall in qualitative sport research. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise & Health, 4(1), 51-61. doi: 10.1080/2159676X.2011.653495
Journal - Research Article
Houge Mackenzie, S., & Kerr, J. H. (2012). A (mis)guided adventure tourism experience: An autoethnographic analysis of mountaineering in Bolivia. Journal of Sport & Tourism, 17(2), 125-144. doi: 10.1080/14775085.2012.729901
Journal - Research Article
Houge Mackenzie, S., Hodge, K., & Boyes, M. (2011). Expanding the flow model in adventure activities: A reversal theory perspective. Journal of Leisure Research, 43(4), 519-544.
Journal - Research Article
Houge, S. (2010). Optimal experiences in adventure tourism: Reversal theory and flow. In A. Reis, C. Jellum, B. Lovelock & A. Thompson (Eds.), Proceedings of the Centre for Recreation Research Symposium: Recreation Values and Natural Areas. (pp. 92). Dunedin, New Zealand: Centre for Recreation Research, School of Business, University of Otago. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Houge, S., Hodge, K., & Boyes, M. (2010). The phasic nature of flow in high risk recreation. Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education & Leadership, 2(2), 159-162.
Journal - Research Article
Houge, S. P., Hodge, K., & Boyes, M. (2010). A positive learning spiral of skill development in high-risk recreation: Reversal theory and flow. Journal of Experiential Education, 32(3), (pp. 285-289). [Full Paper]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper
Houge, S. P., Hodge, K., & Boyes, M. (2009). A positive learning spiral of skill development in high risk recreation: Reversal theory and flow. Proceedings of the Symposium on Experiential Education Research (SEER) presented at the 37th Annual International Association for Experiential Education (AEE) Conference. (pp. 21-25). Retrieved from http://www.aee.org/files/en/user/cms/2009_SEER_Program_FINAL.pdf
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Full paper
Houge, S., Hodge, K., & Boyes, M. (2009, April). Reversal theory and flow: Optimal experiences in high risk recreation. Verbal presentation at the Fourth International Outdoor Education Research Conference: Outdoor Education Research & Theory: Critical Reflections, New Directions, Beechworth, Australia.
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Houge, S. (2008). Case studies of high risk recreation instructors: Reversal Theory and Flow. In S. Galloway (Ed.), Proceedings of the International Outdoor Recreation and Education Conference. (pp. 140). Wellington, New Zealand: Outdoors New Zealand. [Abstract]
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract