30 April 2012
Large increase in visitors to Lake Coleridge
Tourism operators in Lake Coleridge, one of Canterbury’s less well-known tourism destinations, stepped up this summer to
cater for hundreds of extra visitors who were sadly not able to visit some of Canterbury’s former tourist highlights.
An increase in coach tours was the standout theme of the summer, members of the Lake Coleridge Tourism Group heard at
their AGM last week (24 April).
The Lake Coleridge basin has been catering for group tours for a long time, but not on the scale seen this summer, says
Tourism Group Chairperson Lyn Nell.
Over the past six months, the High Country Tour business Lyn runs in conjunction with two other properties saw an influx
of groups looking for new places to visit in Canterbury.
“We’ve been operating 20 years and it would have been one of our busiest. Other operators in the area have had similar
experiences,” she says.
Alex Bruce from Travlon Coachlines based in Lincoln says other tour operators like them are taking advantage of the
area’s spectacular scenery.
“It’s only one hour from Christchurch and there’s enough established tourism businesses that haven’t been affected by
the earthquakes,” he says.
Lake Coleridge’s largest tourism business, Terrace Downs Golf Resort, also say they have had a big increase in
international tour companies visiting.
“The increase in international visitors has been very noticeable this year,” says Terrace Downs General Manager Dilan De
Silva.
“We’re fortunate we’re in an interesting high country environment that offers a range of recreational opportunities, but
it’s still within easy driving distance from Christchurch,” he says.
Lyn says that for Cantabrians needing a short break away, the peace and quiet you find in alpine areas is particularly
attractive at this time of year.
“The summer tourist season is over, the ski season is still a couple of months away and there’s the bonus of lovely
autumn colours and bright, crisp days. Now’s a good time if you’re planning a weekend escape - there’s no other city in
New Zealand with an alpine playground like this just an hour away.”
More information about activities and accommodation in Lake Coleridge is on www.lakecoleridgenz.info.
ENDS