Sunday Drive Showcases Local Tourism

 

Remember the classic Sunday drive, usually ending with an ice cream no matter what the weather?  A joint tourism marketing approach is offering Hawke’s Bay people a Sunday Drive with a difference on 30 May. 

Local people will have the opportunity to explore some of the attractions and activities in Napier and Ahuriri that they might not normally get to.  The day of activities starts with a ride in Nimon’s new Qualmark-rated coaches and includes access to tourist activities at special ‘local’ prices – just for this day.

“Sunday Drive is about locals enjoying local tourism attractions and activities,” said Wine Country Tourism Coordinator Megan Harris.

“We hope that our people will sample the visitor experiences on their own doorstep – some of the great places to take friends and family when they come to Hawke’s Bay.”

This project has the collaborative support of Hawke’s Bay Wine Country Tourism Association, Tourism Services Napier, the Ahuriri Business Association, the Art Deco Trust, the Hikurangi Foundation as seed-funder for the pilot programme, and Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.

Tickets go on sale this week at $20 for adults and $10 for children.  This includes a return fare on a Nimon’s Qualmark-rated bus, plus entry to two of six attractions in Napier and Ahuriri. 

The attractions include the National Aquarium of New Zealand, Napier Prison Tours, Wine Country Duck, Par 2 Mini Golf, Hawke’s Bay Museum and Art Gallery, and Art Deco Walks.  The total value of an adult ticket is between $33 and $37 depending on which attractions are chosen. 

One bus will leave at 9am from the Nimon’s Depot in Havelock North travelling via Clive to Napier; another will travel from the Hastings Cenotaph in Civic Square via Taradale and Tamatea.  They will pick up locals along the way and arrive at the Napier i-SITE by 10am.  There will be a regular bus shuttle running between the Napier i-SITE and Ahuriri Customhouse during the day.  Ticket holders will catch a return bus towards home later in the day.

There will be time during the day for people to enjoy Napier and Ahuriri shops and cafes as well, with plenty of special offers to take advantage of -  including ice-creams. 

Tickets must be purchased in advance from the Napier and Hastings i-SITES, Village Info in Havelock North, or by calling 0800 VISITUS (0800 84 74 88) so that bus pickups can be confirmed. 

Surveys on the day will gauge the success of this pilot programme and be conducted by Economics student volunteers from Napier Girls High School.