890 days ago

Christchurch tourist attraction up for sale as leading operator sheds businesses

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

One of New Zealand’s leading tourism operators is selling off a number of businesses across the South Island, including Christchurch’s International Antarctic Centre.

RealNZ has announced plans for “future growth”, acting chief executive Paul Norris said on Wednesday, including changes to its portfolio of business to “better align to the organisation’s purpose” and its focus on inspiring an interest in conservation.

As well as selling the International Antarctic Centre, RealNZ is also offloading its Queenstown Jet Boats tourism business, Queenstown Ferry (water taxis), and the Stewart Island Lodge.

The company also owns the historic Walter Peak homestead on the shore of Lake Whakatipu, and is exploring new ways to “expand” guests’ experiences there. It hopes to sell its vessel Spirit of Queenstown to fellow tourism operator Southern Discoveries, with the boat continuing to provide trips to Walter Peak.

Read the full story from reporter Carly Gooch here (subscription required - first two stories a month free).

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