National Aquarium half-price weekend a success

The annual half-price weekend at the National Aquarium has been a huge success. Photo: Paul Taylor

The annual half-price weekend at the National Aquarium has been a huge success.

Chris Pocock, customer services team leader at the aquarium, said there was a 38 per cent rise in customers from last year for the same promotion. He said the advertising of the event had a huge part in its success.

"While traditional advertising helped, we believe social media such as Facebook has played a significant part in this increase with many people sharing the details," he said.

Usually, the aquarium attracted tourists, but the half-price weekend was set to interest locals to come along.

"It's traditionally held in our off-season when tourist numbers are lower, we see the Half-Price Weekend as a way to encourage locals to visit who may not have been in a while."

He said the attraction appeals to different people for different reasons whether that be education, seeing rare animals in the flesh, or just something different to do on a cold winter's day.

The National Aquarium is a great chance for all New Zealanders to understand and respect native oceanic life, he said.

"As an island nation where [no part] is more than 130km from the ocean, we believe it is of huge importance for all New Zealanders to take the opportunity to learn as much as possible about the ocean and marine life.

"For their own safety and enjoyment, they will be better prepared on it, in it and around it. It also means they are more aware of their actions and more respectful of how it impacts this fragile environment."