Southern Discoveries will open a ''flagship Queenstown
visitor centre'' late this year, when it relocates its
Shotover St information and booking centre to the top end of
the Mall in October.
The new premises, opposite Starbucks, will be the information
base for the Southern Discoveries portfolio of products -
KJet, formerly Kawarau Jet, of which Southern Discoveries
owns a 50% share, and national bus carrier InterCity.
The store, now home to a Real Journeys and Shotover Jet
booking office, will be refurbished ahead of the move.
The Southern Discoveries general manager, John Robson, said
that the relocation was exciting news.
''This is one of the most high-profile and high-foot-traffic
sites in the CBD and it is ideally positioned at the gateway
to the town centre in full view of all new visitors into
Queenstown.
''As we continue to invest in new products and experiences in
Milford, Te Anau and Queenstown, we need to increase our
street presence and the prestigious Mall location is perfect
to capture visitors as they drive in or stroll around
Queenstown.''
Over the past four years, the company had made significant
investments in its operations and product offerings,
cementing its position as the ''oldest and most established
operator in Milford Sound'', Mr Robson said.
Recently, it announced the November launch of a high-speed,
multimillion-dollar catamaran - Spirit of Queenstown.
The catamaran will offer a Lake Wakatipu boat experience and
a ''safari-style'' farm tour at Mt Nicholas Station.
Southern Discoveries has also become the third shareholder in
its lakefront offices at the St Omer Wharf and a berth at the
O' Regan Wharf, having formerly leased the premises from Ngai
Tahu.
The office was renovated to include a retail information
centre and ticket office and ensures the company has a
lakefront base for the Spirit of Queenstown catamaran
tour and a street presence at both ends of town.
The company also operates five boats and three cruise options
in Milford Sound; owns and operates Harrisons Cove Kayaking,
the Blue Duck Cafe and Bar in Te Anau, five information
centres in Te Anau and Queenstown and the Te Anau-based coach
service Go Milford; and operates Queenstown Princess,
providing day and charter cruises on Lake Wakatipu.
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