Visitors to Lawrence may soon be offered guided tours by residents of the historic gold-mining town.
The Tuapeka Lawrence Community Company, under its Lawrence Edu Ventures arm, is holding a meeting next week to launch the scheme, which would see guides wearing suitably historic costumes and providing guided tours around specific historic sites, including Gabriel's Gully, Wetherstons and other heritage areas that would be of interest to visitors.
Company spokesman John Labes said the tour-guiding business would help keep tourists in the town for an extra two to four hours, providing economic benefits for businesses.
Earlier this year, Lawrence became the first small town in the country to introduce a free wireless internet service in its central business district.
The guided tours are seen as another visitor attraction.
Mr Labes said the guides would be briefed on the town's history and would offer a range of tours to suit the various interests of visitors.
Guides would be paid for their time and would wear costumes supplied by the project.
Mr Labes expected the service would be funded by the Ministry of Social Development's enterprising communities fund over three years. Its grant would cover the salary of a manager and setting-up costs, while the tours would also earn some income.
"The project must then earn increasing revenue with the [ministry] support ending after year three," he said.
The project would involve "close partnerships" with local heritage groups so the number of sites couild be increased.
Mr Labes said next week's meeting would welcome interest from potential committee members and guides.
It will be held at the Lawrence Information Centre on Tuesday, March 24, at 6.30pm.
