OAMARU ADVENTURE PARK - Market Summary & Design | November 2016 PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL - Waitaki District Council
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CONTENTS 1.00 BACKGROUND 6.00 COMPETITOR ANALYSIS 1.01 Introduction 6.01 Competitor Overview 1.02 Design Brief 6.02 Ziplines & Airparks 6.03 Canyoneering 2.00 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6.04 Climbing & Via Ferrata 2.01 Site & Resident Market 6.05 Wildlife Viewing 2.02 Visitor Market 2.03 Competitor Analysis 7.00 COMPONENT MATRIX & MASTER PLAN 7.01 Aerial Adventure 3.00 SITE ANALYSIS 7.02 Family Fun & Event Space 3.01 Geography 7.03 Arts, Culture & Active Sightseeing 3.02 Transportation & Accessibility 7.04 Bunkhouse Concept 3.03 Climate 7.05 Master Plan 3.04 Land Zoning 4.00 RESIDENT MARKET ANALYSIS 4.01 History 4.02 Politics 4.03 Economy 4.04 Stakeholder Groups 4.05 Demographics 4.06 Cost of Living 5.00 VISITOR MARKET ANALYSIS 5.01 Annual Arrivals 5.02 Key Markets 5.03 Motivations 5.04 Age 5.05 Trip Characteristics 5.06 Attractions
1.00 BACKGROUND 1.01 SELECT CONTRACTS Select Contracts is a specialised company that designs, builds and operates all types of leisure and entertainment projects for its INTRODUCTION clients. Select Contracts concentrates on being able to a) take any type of leisure and entertainment project from concept through to completion and ongoing operation and b) enter into an existing project/operation and re-position it operationally to increase revenues and provide better shareholder returns. During a new project the company prides itself on being a very valuable development and operations partner to its clients, managing the entire development on their behalf. The company is vertically integrated with operators designing and building for operators. Select Contracts conceptualises the concept, prepares market studies & business plans, prepares all detailed design documentation, project manages & cost engineers the build out, sets up all marketing, branding & sales processes, attends to all pre-opening management & procedures and operates the facility once open on a management contract. This turnkey approach enables clients to rely on one point of contact through the entire development or re-development of their project, which reduces the overall cost and significantly improves efficiency. 1.01
1.00 BACKGROUND PROJECT DESCRIPTION In November 2015, Select Contracts was engaged to assist Waitaki District Council by examining the current visitor attraction mix in 1.01 Oamaru and the wider district. INTRODUCTION The broad remit was to suggest ways in which the existing attractions could function better together and where gaps exist, what could be created to encourage: • more visitors; • staying for longer; and • spending more money in the region. The outcome of the above works outlined a number of potential attractions for the Waitaki District Council to pursue and one of those was an Adventure Park next to the Blue Penguin Colony in Oamaru. This document is a conceptual design and business planning document for the Adventure Park. 1.01
1.00 BACKGROUND 1.02 ETHOS Oamaru has a strong business potential in many different markets. The aim is to develop strong attractions as part of Oamaru’s unique DESIGN APPROACH culture with the following guiding ethos: FAMILY DIFFERENTIATION THROUGH SKILLED ACTIVITY • Valuable memories created for all visitors and families • Introduction of beginners to new sports & activities • Attractions and activities to suit all ages • Constant education and improvement • Family specific features to encourage return visits • Encourage as many repeat visits as possible SUSTAINABILITY PASSIVE PARTICIPATION • Operational efficiency and monitoring of energy use • Inclusion and enjoyment for all ages and abilities • Aim to be zero waste facility • Encourages social interaction and family engagement • Awareness & Education for visitors and staff alike • Positive experience for all visitors during their stay • Aim to include social support schemes for various outreach programs
1.00 BACKGROUND CLIENT OVERVIEW The Waitaki District Council was created in 1989 when the former Waitaki County, Waihemo County, Palmerston Borough and CONSTRAINTS (TECHNICAL) • The harbour breakwater continually needs innovation to depower wave action to prevent deterioration. Any structure KEY OBJECTIVES The following key objectives have been established for this project. These include but are not limited to: 1.03 Oamaru Borough councils were amalgamated. built on the breakwater will have to withstand forceful waves DESIGN BRIEF • Creating unique leisure attractions with a host of features for and debris thrown by the waves. Waitaki is the only district in the South Island that lies within the whole age-range to enjoy. two regions. A major reason for this split was the governance • Incorporate the overall design of the site and the as part of the of the Waitaki River, which forms a political boundary between experience. Canterbury and Otago. This is why the district has two regional authorities – the Otago Regional Council and the Canterbury • Create attractions that will draw guests from regional, national Regional Council. and international markets. • Create attractions that bridge visitor gaps so the activities are operational all year round. • Maximise use of the indoor and outdoor spaces in the area. • Create destination attractions that will provide a solid return on investment to the developers. • Consider working to attract school groups, international visitors and corporate visitors to the site 365 days of the year. 1.03
2.00 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2.00 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2.01 SITE The proposed adventure park for Oamaru will take place in two phases. The first phase site locations will include the breakwater, and the Cape Wanbrow track to the top of the headland. As phase one generates revenue, it will fund the second phase of the attractions. This process is not only more financially sustainable, but from a marketing perspective, allows for two major attraction launches driving SITE & RESIDENT MARKET excitement and build-up each time. Phase two will be located adjacent to the Blue Penguin Colony buildings, at the base of the quarry, including the red sheds and current boat storage facility. RESIDENT MARKET HISTORY The Waitaki District has a wealth of prehistoric sites of interest and more recent archaeological sites. Modern European development didn’t happen until the 1850’s. Harsh storms forced the town to develop a concrete breakwater in 1872 and the town grew rapidly with a safe port. Refrigeration dramatically changed the local industry and the export trade began to boom. This continued for decades, including having a big impact in WW1 and WW2. Beyond this, market changes caused a decline and many of the town’s Whitestone buildings became underutilised. MODERN DAY The region’s current largest employer is the Alliance abbatoir in Pukerai (just north of Oamaru) with over 900 employees. Other large local industries are agriculture, forestry, fishing, manufacturing, retail and construction. The region is governed by the Waitaki District Council. STAKEHOLDERS Key stakeholders identified by this report include: • Waitaki District Council • The Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust • Tourism Waitaki • Heritage New Zealand • Waitaki Tourism Association DEMOGRAPHICS The district’s population appears to be growing slowly, most recently measured at around 1% per year. The population is also getting older, projected to have a median age of 52 by 2031. The population is typically older than the New Zealand average and the household income in Waitaki District is lower than the New Zealand average. Nevertheless, living costs are comparably low. An average house in Waitaki District is a little over half the New Zealand average of $558,000.
2.00 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY VISITOR MARKET ARRIVALS 2.02 VISITOR MARKET Since 2012, growth in international visitor numbers has accelerated and in 2015 the total surpassed 3 million for the first time and already nearing 3.5 million in 2016. Forecasters expect this figure to surpass 3.75 million by 2021. In 2016, the majority of these international arrivals were from four countries: • Australia - 54% • China - 16% • USA - 11% • UK - 8% International visitors to the Waitaki District are broadly representative of visitors to New Zealand overall. SPEND Recent data shows that the area recorded 394,000 overnight visits in a rolling-month total to January 2016. However, data shows that by proportion, these visitors are not spending as much on tourism products as the New Zealand average. This suggests that the current offer does not generate as much income benefit for the region as it could. When on holiday, overall spend per person for each of the top four countries of origin is: • Australia - $2,400 • China - $3,200 • USA - $3,500 • UK - $3,800 SHORT VISITS Visitors to the Waitaki region stay for just 1 or 2 nights. Some visitors are on a pre-booked itinerary that leaves them little time to explore and discover some of the attractions they may not have heard of prior to their visit. The most visited, ticketed attraction in the region is the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. 2.02
2.00 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2.03 The competitor analysis is designed to give further insight into the scale and proximity of similar attractions within a one hour and one to three-hour drive time radius. The analysis was completed with 4 major subsections; ziplines & airparks, canyoneering, climbing & Via Ferrata, and wildlife viewing. COMPETITOR ANALYSIS There are currently no zipline or airpark attractions in close proximity to Oamaru. The closest such attractions are located more than a 3-hour drive away in Christchurch and Queenstown. The Christchurch attraction is a traditional treetop airpark featuring ziplines, whereas there are several differentiated zipline attractions in Queenstown that cater to eco and adrenaline tourism. There are currently no man-made canyoneering attractions in New Zealand, there are however two guided natural canyoneering adventures operating just within 3 hours drive of the project site. Both offer a wide range of guided tours ranging drastically in price, duration and required skill. Outside of a small indoor climbing facility as part of a local recreation centre, there is nothing in the way of man-made climbing attractions in close proximity to Oamaru. The closest such facilities are located in Wanaka, a 2-hour and 45 minutes drive from the project site. The attraction offers an indoor climbing facility and an outdoor Via Ferrata course. Finally, the nearest wildlife viewing operations are in Dunedin, approximately 1.5 hours drive from Oamaru. With regards to these particular attraction types, there is little substantial competition within a reasonable driving time of the proposed project site.
3.00 SITE ANALYSIS
3.00 SITE ANALYSIS 3.01 PROJECT SITE Oamaru is the largest town in the North Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island. It is the main town in the Waitaki District GEOGRAPHY with a population estimated at 13,750 (NZ Stats). Oamaru is a harbour town on the Pacific Ocean. Its surrounding landscape of low, gently rolling hills is dedicated mainly to farmland. Just south of the harbour lies a disused quarry, once used to maintain the breakwater in the harbour. Near the base of this disused quarry is the now famous Oamaru Blue Penguin colony. The top of the quarry and breakwater will be the site locations for phase I. Adjacent to the penguin colony just below the quarry face is the proposed site location for phase II. The site operations will include the Cape Wanbrow track to take visitors to the top of the headland via Bushy Beach. Cape Wanbrow was an important lookout point during the Second World War and hosts gun emplacements and remains of old barracks. The natural coastal vegetation at Bushy Beach Scenic Reserve is the last remaining in the area. Wind-sheared scrub, dominated by hebe, ngaio, mahoe and broadleaf, clings to the cliffs and shelters penguins, and other seabirds, and a variety of insects. A unique flora and fauna exists here, because a number of native plants and insects are at either their southern or northern geographical limit. The oldest known fossil remains of a tuatara in New Zealand were found here on this geologically fascinating headland. New Zealand sea lions and elephant seals are occasional visitors to this beach. Cape Wanbrow is a mix of volcanic and sedimentary rock features that are internationally significant. Pillow lava surge deposits and volcaniclastic sediments and breccias form steep cliffs with rocky platforms below. 3.01
3.00 SITE ANALYSIS ROAD ACCESS 3.02 SH -8 3 Located on State Highway 1, Oamaru is one hour south of Timaru SH -1 at junction and two hours north of Dunedin, where the nearest multi- with SH-83, destination domestic airport, is located. State Highway 1 is the Pukeuri Pukeuri TRANSPORT & ACCESSIBILITY longest most significant road in New Zealand running the length of both main islands making Oamaru easily accessible by vehicle. Christchurch -1 International SH AIR ACCESS SH -1 between Waitaki Avenue Airport and Virgil Street Oamaru is accessible by air. The town has a small, privately serviced airport with chartered passenger flights. The nearest Weston airport with domestic service to multiple destinations is Dunedin. Dunedin offers limited international service to Australia. The SH-1 at Weston Road majority of international flights fly into Christchurch, a three-hour Timaru drive from Oamaru. Timaru has regular flight service to Wellington, Oamaru Domestic NZ. Airport -1 RAIL ACCESS SH There is no regular rail access to Oamaru via New Zealand Rail, however Dunedin Railways offers a tourist service called the Queenstown Oamaru Seasider. The trip totals 7 hours in length, stops briefly at International Moeraki and onto Oamaru for a one-hour stop and then returns Airport to Dunedin. Live commentary is provided and the train slows Oamaru for photo opportunities at sites of interest. The Oamaru Farmers Market operates to coincide with the Oamaru Seasider schedule. There is an option to take the train one-way, or on a round-trip.. (Prices are $72 NZD and $99 NZD respectively at time of writing but subject to frequent change.) Trips are limited to once or twice Dunedin per week. International Airport New Zealand South Island 3.02
3.00 SITE ANALYSIS 3.03 TEMPERATURE Weather conditions vary in the Waitaki Valley ranging from the coastal climate to the more continental climate of the interior. CLIMATE The coast has a mild and temperate maritime climate that features warm summers and cool winters with a relatively narrow annual Data used to produce the charts in this section is from Oamaru, temperature range of approximately 10°C. During the warmest on the coast of the Waitaki District. This is used to broadly months from November through March, temperatures on the represent the climate of the region but it should be noted that coast rarely peak above 20°C with an average annual high of differences exist between this location and other areas within the 15.7°C. The coldest months are May through September with an District. average annual low of 6.8°C. Climate in the interior is generally warm and temperate, the average annual temperature for the interior near Kurow is 10.6°C with an annual rainfall average of 527mm. Heading further east down the river to Duntroon, the average annual temperature drops to 5.9°C and annual average rainfall increases to 912mm. SUNSHINE At around 45 degrees latitude south of the equator, the Waitaki Valley has a daylight range of 9.4 hours per day to 16.2 hours per day. The darkest month is June and the lightest month is December, with 12.5 hours of daylight at the Equinoxes. RAINFALL Rainfall in the Waitaki Valley ranges greatly from the coast to the interior. The coast is relatively dry with only 127 days of rain per year with less than 600mm rainfall annually. Monthly rainfall is very sporadic with no correlation to the time of year. The rainiest months are January, March, July and December with a range of 53-63mm of rain per month. The driest month is September with only 32mm of rain. The rainfall in the interior varies greatly. Near the top of the Waitaki Valley at Kurow, the annual average rainfall is 527mm, not much drier than the coast with the heaviest rainfall occurring in similar months- December, January and March. Heading further east down the river to Duntroon, the annual average rainfall increases to 912mm with the rainiest months being August, September, November and December. 3.03
3.00 SITE ANALYSIS BLUE PENGUIN COLONY A discussion with the operation of the Colony needs to occur to be able to work together to use the same front of house operation 3.04 for ticket sales. LAND-USE & ZONING RED SHEDS & BOAT STORAGE One shed is currently occupied. Remaining sheds to either be updated or rebuilt for accommodation use. Boat storage to be relocated from quarry. CAPE WANBROW TRACK Reopen access to track via the Blue Penguin Colony. Access should only be during daylight hours so as not to disturb the penguins. 3.04
4.00 RESIDENT MARKET
4.00 RESIDENT MARKET 4.01 HISTORY & CULTURAL IMPORTANCE MOA HUNTERS HISTORY Oamaru has numerous archaeological sites of interest, many prehistoric. Some sites date back to the Archaic Moa-Hunter phase of Maori culture. Today, the Vanished World Society of North Otago, aims to educate and raise awareness of these archaeological sites and conservation of fossils. EUROPEAN EXPLORERS The first European explorer to sight New Zealand was Dutchman Abel Tasman in 1642. It wasn’t until 1769 when Captain James Cook circumnavigated and mapped New Zealand. He reached Oamaru in 1770 where he stayed for only four days, stating the country looked barren and uninhabited. INDUSTRIAL GROWTH Oamaru was visited in the 1830’s by sealers and whalers. Whale products were exported before New Zealand was a colony or had a government. In 1840 New Zealand officially became a British colony and was settled by more Europeans in the 1850s. A disastrous storm in 1868 forced Oamaru’s leaders into action. Virtually all passengers and cargo moved by sea, so the port was vital to Oamaru. The dangerous harbour made insurance expensive – merchants knew that they had to make their port safe, or fall behind rival towns. In 1872 a concrete breakwater was constructed and by 1875 virtually all shipwrecks had ceased and the town grew very quickly as a major port. REFRIGERATION In 1882, the invention of the refrigerated steam ship meant the first ever frozen meat shipment to England on the Dunedin. The economy grew from one based on local trade and wool to the export of wool, butter, cheese, frozen beef and mutton to Britain. Refrigerated shipping was the base of New Zealand’s economy until the 1970s. POST-WW2 After the Second World War the port’s trade was mainly trans-Tasman and coastal. Oamaru grew rapidly after the war, though, and the port stayed busy, handling oil, lime, grain, flour and general cargo. From the 1960s the new Cook Strait rail ferries made big inroads into the coastal general-cargo trade, offering shippers a cheaper, faster, more flexible service. The coastal ships switched to bulk cargoes, but the new oil tankers of the mid-1960s were too big to port in Oamaru, and the volatile grain trade collapsed in the early 1970s. The last trading vessel visited Oamaru in 1974. With conventional coastal shipping nearing its end, the Oamaru Harbour Board decided not to risk investing money in the maintenance of the harbor and breakwater. The main street’s Victorian-era whitestone buildings remained as the cost of tearing them down was not feasible during this time. What was then seen as an extravagance of earlier times is now an anchor attraction in Oamaru. (New Zealand History) 4.01
4.00 RESIDENT MARKET 1500 Timeline Archaic Moa-Hunter phase of Maori culture. 4.01 1642 Abel Tasman (Holland) first European explorer HISTORY to sight NZ. Captain James Cook circumnavigates and maps 1769 New Zealand. Captain James Cook reaches Oamaru, stays 1770 only for four days, stating the country looks uninhabited and barren. 1830’s Whalers and sealers begin to visit Oamaru. New Zealand officially becomes a British 1840 Colony. Early settlement by more Europeans, Oamaru 1850’s begins to build. A disastrous storm hits Oamaru, forces leaders 1868 into action to build a breakwater. 1872 Concrete breakwater constructed. 1875 Virtually all shipwrecks ceased. First refrigerated shipment of frozen meat to 1882 England on the Dunedin. Shipping becomes mainly trans-Tasman and coastal. The port remains busy, handling oil, 1945 lime, grain, flour and general cargo until the 1960s. Coastal ships switched to bulk cargoes. New 1960’s oil tankers too big to use in Oamaru, decline in trade 1970’s Volatile grain trade collapse, trading slows. 1974 Last trading vessel visits Oamaru.
4.00 RESIDENT MARKET 4.02 WAITAKI DISTRICT GOVERNANCE POLITICS The Waitaki governing body consists of 10 council members and mayor, Gary Kircher, with two community boards. The Waitaki district is divided into the Canterbury region (60%) and Otago region (40%). It is the only political district divided by two regions. A major reason for this is the Waitaki river which physically divides the two regions. With major hydro projects dispersed along the river it was decided to put the two regions under one administrative district. 63% of the district’s population lives in the district seat, Oamaru. FARMING The district is sparsely settled area comprised mainly of farmland. In recent years, there have been numerous proposals for new farming operations. Agriculture remains an important part of life in the district. The industry is enjoying a period of rapid expansion and relative prosperity from the investment in irrigation infrastructure, intensification and improved processing. WAITAKI DISTRICT COUNCIL BUILDING
4.00 RESIDENT MARKET 4.03 HEADLINES • The latest reports from the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment and other relevant sources, provide current economic trends for the Waitaki District: ECONOMY • The largest employer in the Waitaki region is the Alliance abattoir located in Pukerai just ten minutes north of Oamaru. The plant employs over 900 people during peak times (Alliance) • A total of 2,317 people are employed in agriculture, forestry and fishing (19.6% of Waitaki District’s population) • The next largest industries (numbers employed): manufacturing (1,954), retail trade (1,153) and construction (1,135) • GDP for Waitaki from forestry, fishing, mining, electricity, gas, water and waste services, for the year to March 2012: $264 million (23.9%) • GDP for Waitaki from Agriculture for the year to March 2012: $210 million (19%) • The region of Otago has a 3.8% unemployment rate in the year up to March 2015, a -1.2% change from 2014 to March 2015. • In 2013 the median housing price hit $280,000, a 14.3% increase from 2012, the largest year-over-year increase recorded since 2005. • 2014 housing prices decreased 4.4% from the previous year’s spike. • Latest data available from MBIW shows total visitor spend in Waitaki District was $115 million in the year to March 2014. The largest spend ($77.5M) was domestic, followed by Australia ($11.1M). • Total international visitor expenditure in New Zealand, year ending December 2015, was $9,698 million. THE CRITERION HOTEL • The economic contribution of the domestic market, for the year ending March 2015, was $18.1 billion, a 6.3% growth over the previous year. • The international tourism market’s expenditure was 11.8 billion, with a growth of 17.1% over the previous year.
4.00 RESIDENT MARKET 4.04 WAITAKI DISTRICT COUNCIL The Waitaki District Council (WDC) is the local governing body for the Waitaki District, representing the people of the District. From STAKEHOLDER GROUPS the Council’s Local Governance Statement (2014): “The purpose of the Waitaki District Council is to meet the current and future needs of communities for good-quality local infrastructure, local public services, and performance of regulatory functions in a way that is most cost-effective for households and businesses.” The Council defines its desired outcomes in four areas: • Waitaki people are safe and healthy (Social) • Waitaki’s distinctive natural environment is valued and protected (Environmental) • Waitaki has a diverse, sustainable economy (Economic) • Waitaki is served by responsive and efficient local government (Council) THAMES STREET, OAMARU
4.00 RESIDENT MARKET 4.04 THE OAMARU WHITESTONE CIVIC TRUST The Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust (OWCT) is a charitable trust that owns 17 heritage buildings in Oamaru and leases some of them to a variety of businesses subject to conditions relating to STAKEHOLDER GROUPS the type of activity, business viability and fit with the Trust’s vision and mission: VISION Establishing Oamaru as a world heritage destination by bringing alive and preserving New Zealand’s best collection of Victorian buildings. MISSION Preserving Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct and developing the buildings and streets into a destination locals embrace, visitors want to experience and which drives economic growth and community pride. HARBOUR STREET, OAMARU 4.04
4.00 RESIDENT MARKET 4.04 TOURISM WAITAKI LIMITED Tourism Waitaki Limited is a CCTO, responsible for operating: STAKEHOLDER GROUPS • Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony • iSite Oamaru • Alps 2 Ocean Trail • Events Waitaki • Oamaru Convention Bureau • Tourism Waitaki RTO As the Regional Tourism Organisation (RTO) for the Waitaki District. The organisation is responsible for promoting the region to domestic and international visitors. The organisaton has strategic marketing alliances with other RTO’s and has secured 7 conferences for the region in 2016. Further to these operations and as part of a wider drive to increase MORE TIME visitor spend in the region, TW also engages in prospective development of new attractions such as the proposed Harbour 1. Higher average length of stay, progressing to 2.5 by 2025; Street project. Where projects require direct investment, there are set criteria for TW’s involvement. 2. Marketable local products and general District-wide itineraries available incorporated into the sales portfolio of major IBOs, travel agents, and FIT networks. TOURISM WAITAKI 2025 STRATEGY MORE PEOPLE MORE THINGS 1. A modest 1% annual growth compounding year on year, as 1. A broader range of medium- to high-end accommodation seen in the CAM; options, relieving pressure on and providing scope for more 2. Occupancy rate rising to an average of 32% by 2025; active promotion of the mid-range offerings; 3. Higher visitation to and ticket uptake for all district 2. More facilities, attractions, and infrastructure; attractions; 3. A greater range of attractions and services that both attract 4. Mature conferencing infrastructure, attracting 12 and encourage a greater number of visitors to visit and stay in conferences annually by 2025; the District; 5. Focussed, consistent, themed domestic promotion and 4. Higher, better paid, and more stable employment in direct publicity campaigns; sales; 6. Increased IBO volumes to bell-weather operators (OBPC, 5. Greater conversion of visitors to paying guests; Wrinkly Ram, Ohau Ski Fields, A2O, Brydone Hotel, Heritage 6. More high-value product in the industry. Gateway Hotel, HQ, etc.); 7. New Conference and Incentive strategy that is actively promoted and drawing in groups.
4.00 RESIDENT MARKET 4.04 HERITAGE NEW ZEALAND Heritage New Zealand is a Wellington-based autonomous Crown Entity. The organisation is charged with long-term conservation of New Zealand’s most significant heritage places, including STAKEHOLDER GROUPS its own role as custodian of 48 historic properties. It is funded by Government, supporters, donations, grants, bequests, and through revenue generated at the heritage properties they care for around the country. Locally, Heritage New Zealand manage Totara Farm and Clarks Mill and are a member of The Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust. They have one full-time manager, two part-time visitor hosts and approximately 5 volunteers. Photo: Introduction film at Totara Estate WAITAKI TOURISM ASSOCIATION The Waitaki Tourism Association (WTA) is an independent group of businesses that provide the majority of the tourism product on offer in the region. They are typically grouped into: • Accommodations • Attractions • Food & Drink • Shopping • Services & Events The association meets to discuss industry issues and operates a website with information about the tourism offer in the region. 4.04
4.00 RESIDENT MARKET 4.05 WAITAKI DISTRICT Oamaru’s population of 13,750 makes up more than half of Proportion of Population by Five-Year Age the total population of Waitaki at 21,900 (June 2015), so a Group, Waitaki District Census 2013 DEMOGRAPHICS combined demographic analysis of the district and town is key to 9.00 understanding the region as a whole: 8.00 • Waitaki’s resident population has grown at about 0.3% per year from 2001-2013 (Waitaki Government). 7.00 • The resident population had an estimated increase of 0.9% in 6.00 Waitaki, between 30 June 2014 and 2015 (MBIE). 5.00 • New Zealand has an ageing population as a whole and the Waitaki district is an exaggeration of this. Waitaki has a higher 4.00 percentage of population in the older age groups, from 40 plus years as well as a lower younger population between the 3.00 ages of 10-40 years. (ECAN) Waitaki New Zealand 2.00 • By 2031, Waitaki’s median age is projected to increase by 8 years (36%), from 45 to 52 years, the largest increase of all 1.00 districts surveyed in the Canterbury region (ECAN). 0.00 4 9 4 20 9 25 4 30 9 35 4 40 9 45 4 50 9 55 4 60 9 65 4 70 9 75 4 90 9 4 + 0- -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6 -7 -8 5- -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6 -7 85 10 15 Household Income Distribution in Waitaki and New Zealand, 2013 25% • Household income in Waitaki District is typically lower than Waitaki New Zealand New Zealand as a whole. 20% • The largest earnings group, 19% of the Waitaki population, earn between $30,000-$50,000 annually. 15% • There is a notable difference in the $100,000+ category, likely due to the differences in industry type between predominantly rural Waitaki and more urban locations such 10% as Auckland and Wellington. 5% 0% 0 + d 0 0 0 00 te 00 00 00 00 1 00 0 a 0, , 0, 0, 0, St 00 , 00 $2 $3 $5 $7 ot $1 - - 1- $1 N to 01 01 1- 00 00 0 0 p 0, 0, 0, U 0, $5 $2 $3 $7 4.05
4.00 RESIDENT MARKET 4.06 LIVING IN WAITAKI DISTRICT Data for the region gives an indication of the cost of living in the District. COST OF LIVING Groceries: • Milk (1L) $2.40 • Loaf of Bread $3.25 • Bananas $3.49/kg • Head of Lettuce $2.99 • Imported Beer, 12pk $26.99 Salaries & Housing: • Average monthly disposable salary after tax is $3,200. • Median weekly rent on a 2 bedroom flat is $180 (MBIE, Waitaki District, December 2015). • Median weekly rent on a 3 bedroom house is $270 (MBIE, Waitaki District, December 2015). • The average house value in the Waitaki District is $232,366, compared to a New Zealand average of $558,146 and an Auckland (capital city) average of $933,264 (qv.co.nz, December 2015). Going Out: • A meal at an inexpensive restaurant is around $20. • Domestic beer (draught, 0.5l) is around $7.50. • A regular sized cappuccino costs approximately $4.25. • A cinema ticket is approximately $15. BANDSTAND, OAMARU PUBLIC GARDENS 4.06
5.00 VISITOR MARKET
5.00 VISITOR MARKET 5.01 NEW ZEALAND Annual visitors to New Zealand remained at or near 2.5 million from 2005 to 2012, showing a gradual increase each year with ANNUAL ARRIVALS the exception of 2012. Since 2012, growth has increased notably and the total number of visitors arriving to New Zealand in the year ending November 2015 was over 3 million for the first time and already nearing 3.5 million by 2016. Forecasts for 2017 and beyond predict further growth in tourist numbers. By 2021, forecasters expect visitor arrivals to exceed 3.75 million. Similarly, expenditures are expected to increase from $8.2 billion in 2015 to $11.1 billion in 2021.
5.00 VISITOR MARKET 5.01 WAITAKI DISTRICT Visitor increases to Waitaki District are broadly representative of Regional Tourism Estimates the overall arrivals to New Zealand as a whole. Forecasts in 2012 suggested that in 2016 overnight visits would exceed 330,000 (Year End August 2016) ANNUAL ARRIVALS and day visits would exceed 810,000. Recent data shows that the area exceeded this in 2015, with 394,000 overnight visits recorded Food and Beverage Serving Services in a rolling-month total to January 2016. Most future growth is anticipated to come from visitors of international origin (NZ RTO Forecasts). Cultural, Recreation And Gambling Services However, regional tourism estimates (data from card transactions, aggregated by category) show the difference in expenditure Retail Sales - Alcohol, Food and Beverages between the Waitaki District and New Zealand averages. Data suggests that visitors to the Waitaki region spend Retail Sales - Fuel and Other Automotive Products proportionately more on fuel, and food and beverage services than the New Zealand average and less on other retail sales, Accomodation Services tourism products, cultural, recreation and gambling services. It is reasonable to suggest that the existing tourism offer in Other Tourism Products the region does not attract actual spend in line with the rest of the country. As described in Tourism Waitaki’s 2025 strategy Other Passenger Transport document, this is one of the key issues facing the RTO. Retail Sales - Other 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% NZ Average Waitaki RTO 5.01
5.00 VISITOR MARKET 5.02 ORIGIN International tourism is worth $11.8 billion to New Zealand (Tourism New Zealand). KEY MARKETS New Zealand’s largest international markets, which account for 70% of the total visitor market, are from Australia, China, USA and the UK. China (+39.8%), Korea (+20.9%) and India (+16.8%) had the largest year-over-year increases in holiday visitation from October 2014-September 2015. In 2016, China again had the largest year-over-year increase (+23.7%) but slowed from the previous year. AUSTRALIA Australia accounts for more than half of all visitors. Fuelled by a strong economy, its proximity and an appetite for international travel, Australia continues to be an essential market to New Zealand’s tourism industry. CHINA China, New Zealand’s second largest visitor market, has a International Visitors to New Zealand, September growing middle-class with a steady growth in visitation over the past six years. 2015-2016 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Other (Japan, Similar to other Western markets, there is a strong seasonal Germany, S. Korea) trend around US holiday visits with almost half choosing to visit UK during New Zealand’s summer months, December to March. 11% 8% However, growth is present in the shoulder seasons around summer, attributed by an increase in US cruise visitors, the second largest cruise market after Australia. USA 11% Australia UNITED KINGDOM 54% The UK has a long-standing history of travel to New Zealand. Due to this, visitation numbers are steady and unlikely to see China, People's drastic increases that were seen prior to the global financial Republic of crises. (Tourism New Zealand) 16% 5.02
5.00 VISITOR MARKET 5.02 EMERGING MARKETS Visitor Numbers for NZs Largest International INDIA, INDONESIA & LATIN AMERICA Markets, YE September 2012-2016 India’s traveller market is referred to as the “next China.” The 1,600,000 KEY MARKETS World Tourism Organisation predicts that India will account for 1,400,000 50 million outbound tourists by 2020. The Indian market has two peaks of visitation, somewhat opposite that of Western markets 1,200,000 making India very attractive to the NZ tourism industry as they Australia offset shoulder seasonality issues. 1,000,000 China Indonesia is currently New Zealand’s 24th largest source of 800,000 USA visitors. Securing a direct air service to/from Jakarta remains a key goal in growing this market. Outbound travel from Indonesia is UK 600,000 growing rapidly, with over seven million departures in 2012, more Japan than double the number of departures in 2003. Germany 400,000 With the exception of Argentina, the Latin American markets have experienced strong economic growth in the past decade. 200,000 Argentina’s visitor market was on decline but grew significantly in the last year. The strong economic growth of Latin America has 0 resulted in a growing middle class eager to travel overseas for 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 leisure and education. 5.02
5.00 VISITOR MARKET 5.03 PURPOSE OF VISIT The majority of all visits to New Zealand by the top four visitor markets (Australia, China, UK and USA) are for leisure and visiting Country Total Visitors (Oct 2015 - Aug 2016) family and friends. As of August 2016, all of these countries have had an increase in visitors over the previous year. MOTIVATIONS Australia 1,384,432 SHOPPING China 405,504 Uniquely, more than half of the China visitor market (56%) enjoys shopping group tours and premium group tours, which no other USA 269,984 country engages in on such a scale. UK 215,488 Purpose of Visit - Australia Visitors Purpose of Visit - China Visitors Leisure/Vacation Leisure/Vacation Business/Conference Visit Friends/Relatives Business/Conference Education Visit Friends/Relatives Shopping Group Tours Education Premium Group Tours Other 5.03
5.00 VISITOR MARKET 5.03 LEISURE The USA visitor market is the largest leisure group with 59% of visitors travelling for that purpose alone. For both the Australian and the UK visitor market, 40% travel with the purpose of leisure. MOTIVATIONS Visiting family and friends is the most popular purpose of travel for UK visitors (52%) and Australian visitors (42%). It is also a common purpose for US travellers (21%). VISITOR EXPERIENCE Of the 3 million visitors to New Zealand annually, 3900 were selected for a survey of their experience. Overall, visitors are highly satisfied with their New Zealand experience. They leave with an overall satisfaction level of 9.1 out of 10. The natural and built environment and natural scenery are key reasons visitors chose New Zealand. Purpose of Visit - USA Visitors Purpose of Visit - United Kingdom Visitors Leisure/Vacation Leisure/Vacation Business/Conference Business/Conference Visit Friends/Relatives Visit Friends/Relatives Education Working Holiday Other 5.03
5.00 VISITOR MARKET 5.04 A DIVERSE AGE RANGE OVERALL AGE Data shows that New Zealand remains popular primarily to visitors between the ages of 25 and 34 years for all visitors to the country. This age range has had the largest increase year-over-year, however, there is an increase in visitors of all age groups overall. The UK is the only country that has seen a significant drop in visitors aged 25 to 34 years. DIFFERENCES BY ORIGIN Visitors from the United States have had a spike in the retirement age group of 65 years and over in the last five years, the largest age group of the US visitor market. The UK has had a decrease in all age ranges except for visitors aged 65 and over. Visitors from China had the most significant increase in the past year alone across all age groups, primarily visitors 25 to 65 years of age. Australia has had the most consistent and steady growth amongst all age groups with visitors aged 24-35 remaining as their largest visitor group by far. 5.04
5.00 VISITOR MARKET 5.05 TRIPS TO NEW ZEALAND New Zealand Visitor Length of Stay, YE November 2012-2016 RETURNING VISITORS 1,000,000 For the majority of visitors overall, it is their first time visiting New 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 TRIP CHARACTERISTICS Zealand. However, in the case of visitors from Australia however, 900,000 the majority are returning visitors. 800,000 Country First Time Visit 700,000 Australia 41% 600,000 Visitors China 96% 500,000 USA 80% UK 75% 400,000 300,000 LENGTH OF STAY Compared to the US and the UK, visitors from Australia make 200,000 the shortest trips, likely due to proximity and ease of travel to New Zealand. Visitors from the UK spend twice as much time on 100,000 holiday in New Zealand than any other country. The typical length of holiday for US visitors is either 7 days, 9 days or 14 days. 0 1–3 4–7 8–14 15–21 22 and over Length of Stay (Days) 5.05
5.00 VISITOR MARKET 5.05 FAMILY & SHOPPING Visitors from China have the most unique trip characteristics. They Length of Stay by Country and Purpose, spend more than twice as much time visiting family and friends TRIP CHARACTERISTICS (VFF), nearly two months, compared to other countries. Despite YE February 2014 this enormous difference, visitors from China engage mainly in shopping group tours or premium group tours (56%). The average 70 length of these types of trips is only two days making the overall average length of stay for a visitor from China just three days. Business Holiday VFF Shopping Tour 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Australia China UK USA 5.05
5.00 VISITOR MARKET 5.05 VALUABLE VISITORS Visitors from China spend the most money on their trips compared to other countries, most of which is on retail goods. Total spend by visitors from China for year end August 2016 was TRIP CHARACTERISTICS $1,363 million. Despite visitors from China spending more money on average per trip than any other country, the vast number of visitors from Australia contributed $2.463 billion in the same time frame. The UK and US contributed $1,029 million and $936 million the same year respectively. Country Spend Per Person (Holiday) Australia $2,400 China $3,200 USA $3,500 UK $3,800 UNIQUE SPENDING HABITS Australia, the UK and the US all have very similar spending habits with regards to which destinations they spend their money in. All three of these countries spend most of their money in Auckland, followed by Queenstown, Christchurch and Wellington respectively. China differs greatly as their visitors spend most of their money in Auckland, followed by Otago and Canterbury. 5.05
5.00 VISITOR MARKET 5.05 WAITAKI DISTRICT A QUICK OVERNIGHT TRIP CHARACTERISTICS The most recent available data on overnight stays in commercial accommodation in the Waitaki District shows an average of 1.56 nights spent in the district per stay. Tourism Waitaki aims to increase this to 2.5 by 2025 by working to develop the overall tourism offer and sell itineraries that retain visitors for longer. Anecdotally, a local tourism professional described a common Oamaru itinerary for visitors on a bus tour of the South Island from China: 17:30 Bus arrives, visitors check-in to accommodation. 21:00 Bus returns visitors to hotel. 18:00 Buffet dinner. 07:00 Buffet breakfast. 19:00 Bus departs for Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. 08:00 Checkout and bus departs. 19:15 Visitors begin penguin watching experience. However, this does not reflect all trips made to the Waitaki District. In particular, those who spend time staying in holiday parks in self- contained camper vans and other free independent travellers (FIT’s). This segment, it is argued by some in the region, are a likely source of the best growth in stay length. MANAGED CHANGE Interviews with some accommodation managers reveal change is possible. In the past five years one business reports a significant increase in the average length of stay, moving from a period when the typical visitor stayed for 1 night to a current situation where stays of up to 5 nights are more common. The reasons for this are likely two-fold: 1. High Quality Information - the operator deals personally with a small number of guests. They are able to provide detailed, beautifully formatted information to their clients and specialist tour operators about each potential attraction. 2. Well Developed Itineraries - the operator has worked extensively to build their own supplier network so that itineraries can be reliably implemented according to guest needs in a way that is suitable for export. Another operator attributes recent improvements in occupancy (from 40% to 70% over two years) and length of stay (particularly during the traditionally slow winter period) to a rise in the free independent traveller (FIT) market segment. Moreover, the revenue per night for this operator increased by 33% during the past two years. One common denominator is non-reliance on a tour operator alone to develop itineraries. Information flows from attraction to consumer and is not subject to a curation process by a tour operator that may be adversely affected by other factors such as commission agreements with higher cost attractions and accommodations elsewhere in New Zealand. Successful attraction managers work with tour operators to grow business and also market direct to consumers. Local authorities note that ‘some industry participants are not well-versed in dealing with tour operators, are not set up to handle trade clients, or are not providing the service that will attract trade clients’. This is a fair assessment and one that the local RTO seeks to address through its work. Change is likely to occur where industry participants balance an ability to work successfully with trade clients but retain an element of Oamaru counterculture to keep the experience authentic.
5.00 VISITOR MARKET 5.06 DOMESTIC VISITORS The popular activities lists provide good insight into key motivations for visitors to and travellers within New Zealand. Domestic travellers enjoy many of the same activities ATTRACTIONS as international visitors with some slight variations. Like international visitors, visiting friends and family is a strong motivation for domestic travellers. Most popular activities and trip motivators (most popular to least) for domestic travellers (NZ Stats 2012): 1. Dining 2. Visiting Friends And Relatives 3. Shopping 4. Business 5. Sightseeing (Land) 6. Walking And Trekking 7. Other Scenic/Natural Attractions 8. Entertainment 9. Swimming 10. Fishing 11. Other Attractions 12. Museums And Galleries 13. Volcanic/Geothermal Attractions 14. Medical Visit 15. Other Water Activities 16. Performing Arts 17. Theme And Leisure Parks 18. Cycle Sports 19. Boating Image top and bottom left: Select Contracts; Image bottom right: 20. Golf Portside Restaurant & Bar, Oamaru 21. Snowsports 22. Gardens 5.06
5.00 VISITOR MARKET 5.06 INTERNATIONAL VISITORS Most popular activities (most popular to least) combined for Australia, China, UK and USA (Tourism New Zealand, 2015): ATTRACTIONS 1. Walking and hiking 2. Boating/Scenic Boat Cruises 3. Volcanic/geothermal attractions 4. Museums and galleries 5. Historic Buildings/heritage attractions 6. Botanical gardens 7. Visiting Friends and Relatives 8. Zoos/wildlife/marine parks 9. Maori performances/cultural attractions Country Preferred Activities Bars/nightclubs, snowsports, visiting friends and family, jet boating, luge, sporting events, Australia family events, golf and theme and leisure parks. Farm tours, geothermal attractions, gardens, China Marae visits, farm shows, Maori performances, hot pools and shopping. Wine trails/vineyards, museums, scenic boat USA cruises, Doubtful Sound, film locations and Milford Sound. Beaches, glaciers, museums, visiting friends and family, whale watching, bars/nightclubs, UK swimming, seal colonies and geothermal attractions. Images: Tourism New Zealand 5.06
6.00 COMPETITOR ANALYSIS
6.00 COMPETITOR ANALYSIS 6.01 Based on in-depth market research, a comprehensive competitor analysis has been made for the Oamaru Adventure Park. The primary competitor attractions were researched in a one- COMPETITOR OVERVIEW hour drive time radius from Oamaru. Since very few were found within a one to two hour drive time from Oamaru, the secondary search radius for competitors was extended to one to three hours drive from Oamaru.
6.00 COMPETITOR ANALYSIS ZIPLINES AND AIRPARKS The closest ziplines and airparks, located in both Christchurch and Queenstown, are between 3 hours and 15 minutes, and 3 hours and 30 minutes drive time from the proposed project site. In Christchurch there is one airpark attraction, Adrenaline Forest, a self-guided tree top adventure course with over 100 obstacles and 4 ziplines. The attractions reach 20 metres in height and the ziplines are a maximum of 6.02 90 metres in length. Prices are $43 for adults and either $28 or $18 for youth under 18, depending on height. ZIPLINES & AIRPARKS In Queenstown there are three attractions that include ziplines, one of which, Ziptrek, is a guided, forest based zipline tour, the other two are high-adrenaline bungy jumps and rope swings that have expanded to include ziplines as later stage developments. Ziptrek, accessible through the Skyline Gondola on Bob’s Peak, comprises of two downhill, multi line, treetop tours ranging in price from $135 - $185. AJ Hackett is the birthplace of modern bungy jumping, and with 3 different areas for bungy, rope swings and ziplines they provide a diverse range of activities. Prices are on a per activity basis, ranging from $275 - $169 for bungy jumps and rope swings, and $50 for the zipline. Shotover Canyon is a high adrenaline rope swing and zipline attraction, marketed towards thrill seekers. Coined as the world’s highest cliff jump. the high speed, large rope swing can be used with a variety of accessories, including chairs, tricycles, a slide, a quick release, etc. adding a layer of fun, fear and excitement. The Canyon Fox zipline has an added layer of adrenaline as well, users are dropped from the platform using a unique metal track system falling several metres before being caught by the main zipline which is 240 metres long and 182 metres high. Clients then return across the canyon via a less intense tandem zipline. Prices are $219 for the Canyon Swing or $165 for the Canyon Fox zipline.
6.00 COMPETITOR ANALYSIS 6.03 CANYONEERING There are two guided canyoneering operations existing within the 3 hour drive time catchment, both of which include CANYONEERING abseiling and ziplines during tours. Canyoneering is the sport of descending multi-stage waterfalls by hiking, swimming, jumping, abseiling, climbing and zip-lining usually wearing a wetsuit and climbing harness. Big Rock Canyons, operating around two hours drive from the project site is a canyoneering guiding operation that provides tours of varying lengths and difficulties as well as multi-day courses. Tours range from $240 - $440 depending on the difficulty and length of tour. Daily tours are generally aimed at beginners and include 20 metre ziplines that end in water. Deep Canyon in Wanaka is 2 hour and 45 minutes drive from the project site and provides a wide array of guided canyoneering adventures, the premiere of which includes a heli ride to the top of the route and a jet boat ride home for $1080/person. Most tours range from $240 - $650 and can last up to 12 hours.
6.00 COMPETITOR ANALYSIS ROCK CLIMBING & VIA FERRATA Rock climbing is a hugely diverse international sport ranging widely in difficulty, safety and commitment. High difficulty climbing for experienced users usually takes place in public outdoor spaces or in dedicated 6.04 gyms. Climbing for beginners, children and those looking for a “soft thrill” is often more lucrative and CLIMBING & VIA FERRATA desirable from a paid attraction standpoint. Via Ferrata is a type of low risk, low difficulty rock climbing typically aided by ladders, where users manage their own safety through clipping themselves to wires and anchors during the ascent. There is one such course located within the catchment area in Wanaka, 2 hours and 45 minutes drive from the project site. Wildwire Wanaka has two separate Via Ferrata courses that climb next to a scenic waterfall. Tours cost between $189 and $249 and last from three to five hours. Wanaka also plays host to an indoor climbing facility that includes a themed attraction for low skill climbers, and an indoor sport climbing section that mimics outdoor climbing challenging for even highly skilled climbers. Basecamp Wanaka’s themed climbing area is auto-belayed and includes climbs and challenges that don’t need special equipment beyond running shoes and a rentable harness, and is suitable and entertaining even for young children. Entry to the facility is $20 for adults and $17 for those under 18 years of age, young children receive further discounts for the themed climbing area. Basecamp also provides guided outdoor climbing and courses in the area. Within Oamaru there is a small indoor rock climbing wall at the Waitaki recreation centre, this facility is not considered an attraction but rather a facility for the local climbing community. There are over 825 climbing routes in the Otago region, and many guiding operations that work in the area making it a popular destination for experienced climbers. Oamaru may be able to create a low to moderate skill climbing attraction, such as auto belay or via Ferrata climbing, and draw off the area’s reputation to market the activity.
6.00 COMPETITOR ANALYSIS 6.05 WILDLIFE VIEWING The only wildlife-viewing attraction nearest Oamaru would be in Dunedin with Elm Wildlife Tours or Monarch Wildlife Cruises and Tours, a 1.5hour and 2.5 hour drive time respectively. Both tours offer wildlife viewing in and around the Otago Peninsula. Elm Wildlife Tours offer wildlife encounters for viewing Yellow-eyed Penguins, Blue Penguins, Hooker’s Sea Lions, New Zealand Fur Seals, Albatross and WILDLIFE VIEWING other sea bird colonies. Monarch Wildlife Cruises differs in that they offer both land and sea tours for wildlife viewing.
7.00 COMPONENT MATRIX & MASTER PLAN
7.00 COMPONENT MATRIX 7.01 QUARRY-TO-HARBOUR ZIPLINES (PHASE I) AERIAL ADVENTURE The final daredevil experience in the zipline eco-tour will be the ‘Quarry Cliff Zipper’ an ultimate ‘no fear’ dual-zipline experience begins at the top of the headland before descending past the quarry cliffs and over the waters edge to the landing platform on the harbour breakwater. ADVENTURE TOWER (PHASE II) The unique tower is the ideal introduction to climbing, offering ‘Tower to Rock’ packages and taking in all aspects of climbing, rappelling and free-fall jumping experiences in one location. Physical skills are tested, explored and overcome on varying faces and steep overhangs built into the tower. AERIAL HIGH ROPES (PHASE II) This 2-storey adventure course combines climbing with agility on suspended balance beams and spinning platforms. Skills are tested on the Trolley Slide, Horizontal Ladder and climbing walls before climbing the swooping hammock up to the second level for more challenging elements, such as the Multi-Vine Crossing and Cargo Net Traverse. The final summit is the Crow’s Nest, for a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area before taking the final challenge of the giant swing which swoops 11 meters off the ground and accelerates up to 60km/hour. TOWER CLIMB (PHASE II) The natural quarry cliffs offer a unique opportunity to experience climbing outdoors on a real rock surface. Under the guidance of climbing experts participants will learn skills, climbing movements, useful knot making and belay techniques yet primarily focusing on fun and engaging challenges for individual skill levels for all ages.
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