Support welcomed at attractions
Those behind some of Christchurch’s most popular attractions are pleased with the support they have received from Cantabrians since reopening under alert level 2.
The country’s coronavirus restrictions eased on Thursday, paving the way for many businesses and community facilities to reopen.
The Christchurch Adventure Park reopened to members last Thursday, and then to the public on Friday.
General manager Anne Newman said she was pleased to have the park reopened, and so far all visitors had complied with the new contact tracing and social distancing rules.
She said the number of bike riders at the park was similar to what was normally expected at this time of the year, but the number of people using the zip line had dropped ‘‘significantly’’.
The zip line was an activity mainly booked by domestic and international tourists.
Newman said the number of patrons visiting the park’s cafe´ had been ‘‘steady’’ since reopening, but she had noticed a change in consumer behaviour.
‘‘We didn’t get people popping in for a coffee or something to eat quite the same as we’ve seen in the past . . . people don’t want to sit around too much.’’
The park has implemented new winter hours to better cater to locals. It will be open five days a week, between 11am and 7pm Wednesdays and Fridays, between 11am and 5pm Thursdays, and between 10am and 4pm on weekends.
Orana Wildlife Park also reopened its doors on Thursday.
Visitor services manager Nathan Hawke said it was ‘‘fantastic’’ to reopen but staff expected the coming months would be a ‘‘long haul’’ as the country continued to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic.
He was unable to say how many visitors had been through the gates so far, but the park was experiencing one of its ‘‘lowest months’’.
‘‘[There’s] a need for Christchurch and Canterbury to keep exploring their backyards to support local [businesses] and people visiting will certainly get us through this time.’’
Hawke said staff had continued their conservation work with the animals during the national lockdown, but were ‘‘buzzing’’ to finally have visitors back.
‘‘People are our business and we really enjoyed welcoming all of our visitors through.
‘‘The Canterbury public has been amazing and we hope they continue to be.’’
Christchurch City Council head of recreation, sport and events Nigel Cox said he was pleased with the level of interest from people wanting to return to the city’s public pools and recreation facilities.
Jellie Park, Taiora QEII, Graham Condon Recreation and Sport Centre, Pioneer’s Fitness Centre and Nga¯ Puna Wai all reopened yesterday.
Cox said the booking website for the centres was viewed more than 12,000 times between Friday and Sunday.
‘‘We are limited to approximately 160 people per pool hall and indications are that things have been running smoothly across all the centres,’’ he said.
Student Fin Muir, 16, said it was ‘‘good, but a little strange’’ to finally get back into the gym for a workout at Taiora QEII yesterday.
He said about half of the gym had been taped-off to ensure people were physically distanced.
‘‘It was pretty strict but within reason,’’ he said.
The pools at the Graham Condon Recreation and Sport Centre will reopen on May 25 following some refurbishments.