New technology opens Banks Peninsula to the world

Pioneering technology developed by a local Banks Peninsula company for the tourism industry is opening up the region to the world like never before.

The i-Box is being launched by Duvauchelle-based Interpretation New Zealand and combines global satellite positioning with stories about the people, places and pastimes of Banks Peninsula. It is designed as an interactive guide to the area for both international and domestic visitors.

This is the first time such technology has been deployed in New Zealand but it could eventually be applied across the country in a nationwide bid to enhance the visitor experience.

Development of the technology has been funded by the Ministry of Tourism with assistance from the Christchurch City Council. Tourism Minister Damien O’Connor will officially launch the i-Box in Akaroa today (Thursday morning).

Visitors can pick up their i-Box from the Christchurch i-SITE or one of Banks Peninsula’s visitor centres (at Akaroa and Little River). The location makes no difference to the experience – the visitor simply plugs their unit into their cigarette lighter and tunes their radio to a nominated FM frequency. As they drive towards Banks Peninsula they will hear stories about the area they are traveling through. Images of Banks Peninsula will also be played on the screen. These images will be accompanied by audio including sound bites, music and poetry by Banks Peninsula artists.