Following a successful eight-month trial, Visit Ruapehu will take full responsibility for operating the Taumarunui and Ohakune i-SITEs from the beginning of July.

This change is a major step forward that is improving the visitor experience by bringing together destination marketing and on-the-ground visitor services into one streamlined approach.

Executive Manager Community and Economic Development, Pauline Welch, said that bringing the management of the isites under Visit Ruapehu aligns with Council’s strategic direction and core values of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and manaakitanga (hospitality), as outlined in the region’s destination management plan, Tahia Ko Puanga.

“This integration creates a seamless visitor journey - from online trip planning to in-person support. It reduces duplication, lifts service quality, and opens new possibilities such as automated bookings through the Visit Ruapehu website,” she said.

Visit Ruapehu General Manager Jo Kennedy said that the joined-up approach strengthens how we can connect with visitors and support local tourism operators.

“It is allowing us to maximise the use of our staff’s specialist tourism skills to deliver consistent, high-quality service that reflects our region’s values and aspirations.”

All existing i-SITE staff have been offered new roles with Visit Ruapehu, ensuring a smooth handover and continuity of knowledge and service for both visitors and locals.

The change marks a new chapter in Ruapehu’s tourism journey - creating smarter, more connected, and community-aligned services to support a thriving and sustainable visitor economy.

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