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Tourism NZ: i-SITE Princes Wharf heralds new visitor experience

Direct News Source

01-Sep-2017 Visitors to Auckland's new i-SITE and Department of Conservation Visitor Information Centre are set to get star treatment with a team of consultants providing a personalised, insider's guide to New Zealand.

Opened on 1 September, i-SITE Princes Wharf has been designed with the visitor's needs in mind. Gone is the traditional reception desk; instead visitors can now enjoy an interactive experience gathering information about New Zealand's environment and activities.

Auckland Tourism, Events & Economic Development, on behalf of Auckland Council, owns and operates the Auckland network of i-SITEs, which includes the new premises on Princes Wharf, and existing premises at Auckland Airport and SKYCITY.

"We've completed an extensive fit-out of our new premises, which allows our team to converse more easily, and informally, with visitors. We've created 'consultation pods' where visitors can sit down with our consultants on couches and at coffee tables to learn more about what is on offer and plan their journey. We want visitors to emerge from the centre with an inspiring, bespoke itinerary," says Auckland i-SITE Visitor Centre - Area Manager Julie-Ann Bell.

The new premises are situated in prime position to greet incoming cruise ship visitors and other visitors to Princes and Queens Wharf. i-SITE Princes Wharf joins the 80-plus i-SITE New Zealand network of visitor centres that are situated across the length and breadth of New Zealand. Each year i-SITEs receive around 8 million visits from travellers seeking independent advice about where to go and what to do in a region, and handle $64 million worth of activity and accommodation bookings for the sector.

"The new i-SITE and Department of Conservation Visitor Information Centre on Princes Wharf ushers in an exciting new approach for our network, and further reinforces the close relationship that we have with DOC. Since 1990 i-SITE has provided impartial and trusted information about tourist activities and on-the-ground support to visitors, and locals alike," says i-SITE New Zealand Executive Manager Paul Yeo.

"i-SITE is dedicated to matching visitors with quality experiences and helping them see and do more. The new personalised service at i-SITE Princes Wharf will enhance our ability to provide visitors with vital information about New Zealand's protocols and customs including safe driving, visitor safety, and freedom camping in a welcoming setting, face-to-face."