Leading Eco-tourism Business Targets New Zealanders for Repeat Business

One of New Zealand’s best known tourist attractions, Whale Watch Kaikoura has taken the bull by the horns and offered a half price fare exclusively to Kiwi whale watching fans.

According to Whale Watch COO, Kauahi Ngapora, the new Kiwi Whale Watchers Club offers Kiwis that have travelled with them before the opportunity and incentive to travel with them again.

“We often hear from kiwis that they would love to travel with us again, but for many this is a once in a life time opportunity. We also understand that kiwis love to show their friends and relatives the best New Zealand has to offer, so in joining our new club this is made a whole lot easier.

“We hope that this initiative will encourage more New Zealanders to repeat the whale watching experience with us, and share it with their family and friends.”

The half price fare is available over Whale Watch’s winter season, which runs from 1st May to 31st October, going well into spring.

Ngapora says the idea is strongly based on customer feedback, but is also one way the company is responding to the impact of recent events in the South Island that have affected the number of international tourists flying into Christchurch.

“We are just one of the operators in Kaikoura who has been affected, and taking a pro-active attitude to keeping our business afloat and our staff employed is simply what we do. We have a commitment to Kaikoura peninsula and the exciting developments that lie ahead for the region,” he said.

Developments in the planning and resource consent stages for Kaikoura include a wharf development that includes five star hotel accommodation, retail and cafes; along with a new museum and an aquatic centre, all building on the region’s reputation as an unspoiled and natural marine playground, with a stunning alpine backdrop.