Kaikōura ‘Reimagines’ Tourism With New Visitor Centre

Saturday, 17 May 2025, 7:28 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

A state-of-the-art visitor centre is planned for Kaikōura as the town shakes off the traditional i-Site model.

Kaikoura Information and Tourism Inc (KITI) is planning to redevelop the former i-Site as it ‘‘reimagines’’ how it promotes the town as a tourist destination.

The former Kaikōura i-Site building on West End, opposite the Kaikōura District Council building, has been in hibernation since July 2022, as visitor numbers dropped due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The board instigated a review which identified the i-Site had become more of an information service, with less sales, as visitors increasingly sought information and made bookings online.

‘‘It has a been long road developing a sustainable operating model because tourism has changed dramatically since Covid-19,’’ KITI chairperson Chris Sturgeon said.

‘‘Towns have had to rethink how they engage with the world.’’

KITI (known by its marketing name, Destination Kaikōura) is a collaboration between the council and local tourist operators.

The goal is to open the ‘‘reimagined Kaikōura visitors centre’’ in time the busy summer season, Mr Sturgeon said.

Destination Kaikōura has engaged Nelson-based company Cuik (pronounced Kwick) to install self-service kiosks where visitors can get information and make bookings.

‘‘It is still all about people, but it’s also about being able to think differently and have a model which will last for years,’’ Mr Sturgeon said.

‘‘People are still the most important part - that friendly Kaikōura welcome and manaakitanga which visitors have come to expect.

‘‘But we will be using technology to assist in the visitor experience.’’

Tenants will be sought to share the building, possibly including a cafe or hospitality style business.

Mr Sturgeon said the last two decades have been challenging for Kaikōura, with the town weathering the global financial crisis, earthquakes and Covid-19.

Visitor numbers have bounced back after Covid-19, with domestic visitor numbers particularly strong, he said.

‘‘Our shoulder seasons are spreading out, and we are seeing more people in March, April, September and October and we have more land-based activities including Eco-Zip and Moana Skies.’’

With the Kaikōura district gaining international dark sky sanctuary status last year and the development of the Whale Trail, Mr Sturgeon said Kaikōura is becoming more of an all-year destination.

While the cost has yet to be finalised, Mr Sturgeon said it was expected to be a few hundred thousand and will be funded by KITI.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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