Havelock isite not returning this summer

Destination Marlborough’s Havelock isite will be closed indefinitely.

Acting General Manager Tracey Green said Marlborough’s visitor numbers have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. “The domestic market remains sluggish and consumer habits have continued to evolve. These factors, combined with reduced product offerings, rising operational costs and the disestablishment of the Destination Marlborough Trust in June, have underscored the need to reassess our operations,” she said.

Now ring-fenced under Council’s management, Destination Marlborough has maintained its funding for the 2024/2025 season.

“However, like all businesses, we are not immune to cost increases. Our Havelock isite has operated as a satellite site since 2016, open only during the summer season. Last summer, due to resource and budget constraints, the centre was only open three days a week,” Ms Green said.

“In addition to the ongoing challenges, we also need to relocate the isite due to its current location going on the market.”

Ms Green said it hadn’t been an easy decision.

“We are exploring options to have some form of visitor centre presence in Havelock in the future, but this will not be in 2024/25. The Blenheim and Picton isites will continue to provide Havelock and Te Hoiere/Pelorus information and operator bookings to visitors to Marlborough.”