Large increase in visitors to Lake Coleridge

30 April 2012

Large increase in visitors to Lake Coleridge

Tourism operators in Lake Coleridge, one of Canterbury’s less well-known tourism destinations, stepped up this summer to cater for hundreds of extra visitors who were sadly not able to visit some of Canterbury’s former tourist highlights.

An increase in coach tours was the standout theme of the summer, members of the Lake Coleridge Tourism Group heard at their AGM last week (24 April).

The Lake Coleridge basin has been catering for group tours for a long time, but not on the scale seen this summer, says Tourism Group Chairperson Lyn Nell.

Over the past six months, the High Country Tour business Lyn runs in conjunction with two other properties saw an influx of groups looking for new places to visit in Canterbury.

“We’ve been operating 20 years and it would have been one of our busiest. Other operators in the area have had similar experiences,” she says.

Alex Bruce from Travlon Coachlines based in Lincoln says other tour operators like them are taking advantage of the area’s spectacular scenery.

“It’s only one hour from Christchurch and there’s enough established tourism businesses that haven’t been affected by the earthquakes,” he says.

Lake Coleridge’s largest tourism business, Terrace Downs Golf Resort, also say they have had a big increase in international tour companies visiting.

“The increase in international visitors has been very noticeable this year,” says Terrace Downs General Manager Dilan De Silva.

“We’re fortunate we’re in an interesting high country environment that offers a range of recreational opportunities, but it’s still within easy driving distance from Christchurch,” he says.

Lyn says that for Cantabrians needing a short break away, the peace and quiet you find in alpine areas is particularly attractive at this time of year.

“The summer tourist season is over, the ski season is still a couple of months away and there’s the bonus of lovely autumn colours and bright, crisp days. Now’s a good time if you’re planning a weekend escape - there’s no other city in New Zealand with an alpine playground like this just an hour away.”

More information about activities and accommodation in Lake Coleridge is on www.lakecoleridgenz.info.

ENDS

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