National Whale Centre Hub a hit with visitors
February 19, 2015, Marlborough:
Picton’s recently-opened National Whale Centre (NWC) display and development Hub is proving a big hit with visitors from around New Zealand and internationally.
NWC Trust chair Nick Gerritsen says the Hub has entertained an estimated 2,700 visitors since it opened last November.
“Our visitor numbers are higher than we predicted which is great. Plus, more importantly, the feedback we’re getting is
that the centre is hitting the right buttons with visitors,” comments NWC Trust chair, Nick Gerritsen.
He says that the comments and suggestions from visitors have been helpful in enabling the organisation to make changes
to meet the high expectations of the centre’s large and informed visitor base.
“A daily throughput of between 50 to 150 people has been taxing both our fantastic volunteers and the space itself.”
The NWC Trust aims to eventually build an iconic, interactive space on Picton’s waterfront for visitors to learn more
about current whale and dolphin conservation efforts and the local area’s whaling history through temporary exhibitions
and events.
Gerritsen says the Hub has had visitors from all over New Zealand as well as tourists from the USA, UK, Netherlands,
Singapore, Switzerland, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Australia and Korea.
“We’ve had some very encouraging comments too. One Swiss-based South African said, ‘it’s a destination in its own
right.’”
Other comments include: ‘very informative’, ‘beautifully executed and free’, ‘interesting, a sad tale’, ‘great research’
and ‘Wicked!’.
Gerritsen says that while he expects that most people who bother to write in the comments book will offer positive
comments, there is little doubt that the overwhelming response has been one of satisfaction and enjoyment.
The NWC project has gained wide great support from individual supporters, visitors and a growing list of benefactors.
ends