Mayor floats zip-line across harbour as possible tourist drawcard

Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher wants to see Cape Wanbrow become a ''first-class recreational reserve'' and says a zip-line attraction would be a good tourism opportunity.

Mr Kircher yesterday spoke about a zip-line starting on the hill above Oamaru Harbour, soaring over the harbour and ending on Holmes Wharf, saying the public could be asked for feedback on the idea.

It would have to be privately owned and operated, but the Waitaki District Council would be involved in some aspects, including the land lease.

''It's good to throw these sort of ideas out and see what the reaction is ... I'm happy to get as much feedback as possible; there's [already] been a lot of positive stuff very, very quickly on Facebook,'' he said.

''I think it would be spectacular. It's something worth talking about in our community.''

If an independent operator could take on the project, it would grow employment in the district, Mr Kircher said.

''If we've got more people coming and staying because of our attractions, then that's a good thing,'' he said.

''We want the district to be moving forward so this is something that is potentially a way to do that.''

Mr Kircher said planning a zip-line could be ''manageable'' and it would only go ahead after consultation with those potentially affected.

The idea of a luge had also been discussed, but it would have a much greater impact on Cape Wanbrow and come at a much higher cost, he said.

''Something like [a zip-line] could be very viable - it would be a ticketable attraction that would be attractive to other age groups - you can imagine Contiki buses coming for it,'' he said.

Mr Kircher said it could be situated in number of different areas.

''It's trying to keep it so that it's not going to affect too many people and actually bring a whole lot of benefits,'' he said.

''And it would make Oamaru an even cooler place to come to.''

rebecca.ryan@odt.co.nz

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