The official opening of the Waipa isite Visitor Information Centre, located near Mountain Bike Rotorua and Trail Kitchen at Waipa Mountain Bike Park, took place in late June.
This event not only introduced a new hub for exceptional visitor service but also recognised it's one of the first locations to unveil isite New Zealand’s refreshed branding.
The occasion was celebrated with Rotorua Deputy Mayor Sandra Kai Fong and isite New Zealand’s executive manager Paul Yeo welcoming guests and sharing its value to the region.
“We’re excited to welcome you to the opening of the Waipa isite within our network,” Yeo said.
“It’s the first isite to have opened [in New Zealand] since 2017 and is a testament to Rotorua being such a prominent tourism destination. We find it fitting that the new site is the first to officially roll out the new isite branding, as the location truly reflects our tohu and serves as a gateway to the Whakarewarewa Forest. We look forward to the positive impact the Waipa isite will have on both visitors and the local community."
Whakarewarewa Forest is globally recognised as a premier mountain biking destination, drawing in an annual influx of more than a million visitors solely for this purpose. In 2021, the visitor expenditure associated with mountain biking in the forest amounted to $139 million.
These figures make the Waipa isite an ideal location to engage with this key demographic to not only serve as the start and finish point of the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop – the country’s newest Great Ride – but also to encourage visitors to explore more of Rotorua and extend their stay, thus supporting the tourism and hospitality industry.
In addition to promoting local attractions, the site will be used to showcase the vibrant Rotorua business community, real estate opportunities, and job vacancies. By presenting the broader range of possibilities available, the aim is to inspire visitors to consider Rotorua not just as a tourist destination but as a long-term investment and lifestyle choice.
Graham Brownrigg, head of visitor experiences and services for the Rotorua isite network, expressed his excitement for the new opportunity.
“The opening of the Waipa isite marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to boost tourism and economic growth in Rotorua. We aim to enhance the visitor experience and encourage them to explore more of what Rotorua has to offer. Additionally, we are thrilled to use this opportunity to showcase the appeal of Rotorua as a place to live, work, and invest.”
The Waipa isite operates from 9am to 4pm daily (closed Christmas Day).
