Destination Kaikōura to mark milestone

Tourism in Kaikōura has come a long way in 10 years, says Deputy Mayor Julie Howden.

Destination Kaikōura is set to celebrate 10 years as New Zealand’s smallest regional tourism organisation on April 9.

‘‘We felt we had enough product and activity to go out on our own,’’ Howden says.

Kaikōura Information and Tourism (KITI), known by its marketing name Destination Kaikōura, is a partnership between the Kaikōura District Council and local tourism operators.

It had been a district tourism organisation under Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism prior to April 9, 2014.

Chairperson Lynette Buurman said it was ‘‘kind of Kaikōura coming of age’’.

Destination Kaikōura manager Lisa Bond said it was the then manager, Glenn Ormsby, who had the vision of becoming a regional tourism organisation.

‘‘Over the past 10 years the organisation has played a pivotal role in shaping Kaikōura's tourism landscape, drawing visitors from around the world and New Zealand to experience its unparalleled beauty and diverse offerings.’’

She said the town has developed a range of attractions over the years from whale watching tours to dolphin swims, gourmet seafood, scenic coastal walks, cycle trails and mountain top gin tasting.

The latest attraction was the EcoZip which launched at the end of last year.

Ms Bond said the organisation was fortunate to have stability from Lynda Keene and Louise Frend, who had helped steer the town through the 2016 earthquake and Covid-19 respectively.

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.