November 14, 2011

New visitor centre opens its doors

After eight months in temporary premises Christchurch’s i-SITE Visitor Centre now has a specially-designed portable home in a central location.

The new Christchurch i-SITE Visitor Centre has opened today (Monday, November 14) next to Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Avenue. It is being landscaped by Botanic Gardens staff and will provide an inviting welcome for visitors and locals.

“It’s an ideal spot for the visitor centre because it is in an area that will naturally attract most of our visitors to the city,” says Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism chief executive Tim Hunter. “We’re thrilled to have secured such a central location for the centre and are looking forward to welcoming many visitors and locals through its doors over the summer months.”

Prior to the February quake the i-SITE Visitor Centre was based in the Old Post Office building in Cathedral Square. For the past few months it has been operating out of temporary premises at the Chateau on the Park.

Manager, Sandra Caldwell says the new i-SITE Visitor Centre is a one-stop shop for visitors and locals looking for travel advice. It also offers ticketing for many key Christchurch events and booking services for tourism activities, accommodation and transport for Canterbury region and the whole of New Zealand.

“It’s also going to be a great place for locals to pop-in and find out what’s happening on their door-step,” Ms Caldwell says. “Whether you’re looking for ideas for a day-trip or just a fun afternoon out we can provide suggestions about places to go and things to do and, of course, help with bookings.

“And the location of the centre is superb; it’s an easy walk to attractions such as Punting on the Avon, the Canterbury Museum, Caterpillar Tours at the Botanic Gardens and the North Hagley Park Events Village which is going to be home to some great events over the summer, including the World Buskers Festival in January.

“There are cafes and restaurants close-by and the Re-Start retail complex, with its attractive and vibrant mix of 26 shops and Ballantynes, is a short walk down Cashel St,” Ms Caldwell says.

She says i-SITE staff are delighted to have a more permanent home in time for the busy summer season.

“We’re expecting lots of visitors, including cruise passengers to come through this centre. Our new facilities in the Botanic Gardens will allow us to provide a high level of service to those who want information about the experiences and activities they can enjoy around Canterbury and the South Island.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media