The Kaikōura i-SITE is currently closed, please contact the operator directly to speak about bookings or availability. Details on all operators can be found here. Also, be sure to check out our special deals available below! 

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Destination Kaikōura is governed by an independent board, The Kaikōura Information and Tourism Incorporated (KITI) which is association that is overseeing Destination Kaikōura's functions and finances. 

 

KITI consists of 6 voluntary board members elected by the Kaikōura i-SITE financial members and are nominated a term of 2 years. The board members are currently: Lynette Buurman (Chairperson), Chris Sturgeon (Deputy), Dzin Alexzander, Joanne James, Matt Foy, and Council Elected Board Member: Julie Howden.

 

This passionate group of tourism and business professionals are generous with their time in assisting the Destination Kaikoura to progress the key tourism messages for the region, and supporting the work of the RTO.  Regional Tourism New Zealand (RTNZ) is a membership based and funded organisation representing the interests of all Regional Tourism Organisations throughout the country.

 

RTO’s play an invaluable role in the development of their regions, taking a holistic approach to planning for and sustainably growing the visitor economy. They are the organisations tasked with managing tourism and its opportunities and impacts for the benefit of their communities and marketing the destination to build the visitation and the experiences available to visitors (and locals) in that region in a sustainable way. This translates into greater prosperity for all.

 

Lynette Buurman - Board Chair

I have been involved in tourism in Kaikoura for 25 years in the role of co-owner of Encounter Kaikoura, which is more commonly known as Dolphin Encounter.  The business comprises two eco tours, Dolphin Encounter and Albatross Encounter, a beachfront café and gift store, and a small meeting venue. It has been an inspiration over the years to see Kaikoura mature as a tourism destination in its own right and to achieve success on so many levels.  Our region now has a diverse local product offering while retaining our uniqueness as a beautiful coastal town with an amazing and diverse natural environment. It is a privilege to have a vibrant business as well as a superb lifestyle in Kaikoura. It really is the best of both worlds!  I have been on the Board of Destination Kaikoura, formerly known as Kaikoura Information and Tourism Inc, for many years.  I enjoy being able to offer support and share my knowledge with the wider tourism sector on all aspects of business management.

 

Chris Sturgeon - Board Deputy Chair

My wife Fiona and I moved to Kaikōura 14 years ago to establish an artisan business and residential cooking school, named Hapuku Kitchen. During that process we met Tony Wilson and agreed together to take on Hapuku Lodge & Tree houses as General Manager & Executive Chef which has now developed into one of NZ’s leading Luxury Lodges.

I spent many years in corporate life in Wellington, within finance and banking where I completed my MBA and I continue to operate a business redevelopment and transformation consulting company. I believe I bring many years of business and commercial expertise along with very strong advocacy skills and tourism connections to the board table. I also am pleased to be able to champion Kaikōura in another role as Chair of Luxury Lodges of NZ

 

I have a real passion for Kaikōura and have the privilege of traveling internationally promoting Hapuku Lodge and as a direct result also promoting Kaikōura. I firmly believe to bring tourists into any business you must first sell them on the local community, its people, its culture together with the environment before considering any individual property or business. This approach was so beneficial immediately after the 2016 Earthquake as we went back out to the country & the world to convince the tourism industry to continue to support us.


I am delighted to work alongside other passionate members of the board and working to promote our small part of paradise.

 

Joanne James

Hi my name is Joanne James and with Brad we arrived in Kaikōura 8 years ago to start a new adventure and have loved every minute of our time, most of all in the morning having coffee looking out to the sea. (amazing)
My background is in Hospitality and Retail.  I worked for Michael Hill as a manager for 10 years all over NZ and learned so much about business through this company, which has set me up very well for our business and being able to look at other businesses with an open mind.


I am looking forward to working with the other Board Members to grow i-SITE Kaikōura and staff to make Kaikōura even more interesting for tourists to come and visit.

 

Matt Foy

Studied Adventure Tourism at the Outdoor Pursuit Centre of NZ (OPC) 1994.
Heavily involved with Adventure Tourism from then on – overseas and in NZ. Moved to Kaikōura in 1998 to establish “Kaikōura Kayaks” which has grown significantly over the past 20 years and won numerous awards including number 1# Activity in Kaikōura on TripAdvisor. KITI member since 1999 and strong supporter of the Kaikōura i-SITE with a great working relationship.

 

Instrumental in spearheading a tourism movement in the aftermath of the November 2016 Earthquake – including the “Hope Springs” discovery of the Kaikōura Peninsula. Actively promoting Kaikōura Tourism and passionate about our little seaside town. Involved in instigating the recent viral video of “Seal slapping Octopus on kayakers face” which has the spotlight on Kaikōura again globally!

 

Julie Howden

I have been a council representative on the KITI board for 5 years. I own and operate Bendamere House B&B so I enjoy the role I have as tourism is my main interest. KITI and Destination Kaikōura have played a huge part in the promotion both domestically and internationally of our beautiful town and I feel there are exciting and prosperous times ahead.

 

My role as Deputy Mayor also brings an integral link between Kaikōura District Council and KITI as council is our main funder for Destination Kaikōura and taking our town to the world. I encourage all Kaikōura businesses whether Retail, Activities or Accommodation to support the pivotal role we take in building our town and making your business grow.

 

 

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