Renee Goldup posted on October 07, 2011 09:01
Friends Brian and Robyn Smith, Serena Weeds and Todd Lyders are pleased to announce the launch of Catlins Marine Encounters to be held at Waikawa on Sunday, 9 October.
Brian Smith said: “We are extremely pleased to be able to offer the visitors to The Catlins an opportunity to experience our unique environment and wildlife from a different perspective and we are looking forward to the launch of our business this Sunday”.
Catlins Marine Encounters aims to provide people with the opportunity to enjoy the unique southern Catlin’s coastline and inland waters and learn the rich history of the area as you cruise the harbour, bays and coastline. There will be an opportunity to view the hector dolphins as they swim beside the vessel and throughout the trip through the bays their guests will sight the seals, sea lions, penguins and seabirds.
The group has successfully been granted a five year concession for mammal viewing on the coast and this will include being able to get up close to the rare hector dolphins that live in the sheltered waters over the summer months. There will also be the chance to have an encounter with whales that travel along the stunning coastline.
This business was setup to attract the Overseas and NZ Domestic market visiting The Catlins however they have acknowledged that their trips will be extremely popular with the residents of Southland and Otago.
Heather Buckingham, Chairperson, Tourism Catlins said: “As identified in The Catlins Tourism Strategy we need to provoke our visitors to stay longer. For this to be successful we need more things for our visitor to see and do. Catlins Marine Encounters is certainly offering an attractive package and we wish them all the best”.
Catlins Marine Encounters will be a seven day a week operation running up to three scenic trips per day for up to 10 passengers. For information on the fishing trips, dive charters, corporate cruises please visit www.catlinsmarineencounters.co.nz.
A new loading facility at Waikawa Wharf has been built and will allow easy access to board their modern vessel “Curious”. Curious is an 11 metre fully serviced vessel capable of cruising at 20 knots in seated comfort.
For further information please contact Brian Smith on 03 929 6580 or 027 2121327
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