Cruise ship visitor support sought
The search is on for seven volunteers to guide and advise passengers from four cruise ships visiting Timaru’s port in January and February.
Timaru Information Centre team leader Patricia Jenney said South Canterbury offered many tourist sites and local knowledge would make sightseeing easier for the visitors.
‘‘The reason they will be needed is that we want to support visitors off the cruise ships to our wonderful area and have them enjoy the experience by getting good advice as to where features are, as well as have the opportunity to meet the locals.’’
Jenney said the volunteers must be well presented and have a good demeanour.
‘‘We would require the volunteers to be tidily presented, bring a great smile and be prepared to be helpful.’’
There was often strong interest in the historical walks in town, she said.
‘‘Generally the passengers were wanting to be as active as possible.’’
Seabourn Encore will return on February 14, while Silver Muse visits on February 7 and Europa 2 on February 15, and more cruise ships are booked for the following season.
Jenney said the centre was always busy during cruise ship visits.
‘‘You get a lot of people purchasing authentic pounamu and there is also interest in the Te Ana Maori Rock Art tours in the district.’’
Aoraki Development operations manager Di Hay said the centre had used volunteers to help with cruise visitors in the past and is following a formula that worked well.
‘‘It’s quite common at ports welcoming cruise visitors that volunteers are called on to help with providing information and directions for the visitors.
‘‘There are some wonderful volunteers who have a wealth of local knowledge and enthusiasm here so it’s a great resource to use.’’