An Industry New Zealand backed eco-tourism initiative at the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary is poised to make the facility one of Wellington's premier tourism destinations.
A feasibility study into how to maximise the sanctuary's economic and tourism potential is being funded by Industry New Zealand, and Wellington City Council suggests visitornumbers could rise from the current 40,000 a year to 150,000.
The initiative, named the Gateway Project, includes a visitor information centre and restaurant. Also mooted are interactive educational displays and a retail shop.
Revenue generated by tours and the information centre will be used to further the sanctuary's conservation work.
Sanctuary trust chief executive Nancy Ward says current funding comes from gate takings, corporate sponsorship, membership, donations and grants.
The sanctuary has reached a plateau with the current level of funding and Ms Ward says for it to move ahead and develop further, additional revenue needs to be found.
"We need to look at new ways of generating security and to do it properly to maintain momentum. This will be a world-class science and recreation facility.
"The sanctuary will make positive contributions to help grow New Zealand's tourism industry by preserving our natural environment and repopulating the habitats with locally extinct and endangered species in a location available to all."
Ms Ward says the Gateway Project complements the sanctuary's vision of a centre of excellence concentrating on science, research and education.
She says the sanctuary could handle 150,000 visitors per year if tours were properly managed. It might mean that groups use different trails at different times.
The impact on the sanctuary neighbours will also be taken into consideration.
Industry New Zealand spokesperson Debbie Gee says the Gateway Project has the potential to add intellectual rigour to an already existing facility and create intellectual property that is commercially viable.
"There is a body of research that is saleable."
Ms Gee says the sanctuary is unique in that it offers a native bush environment in the middle of a city.
"A lot of others cities may well find that valuable."
The expertise gained in Karori could be on-sold.
The feasibility study results are due to be released in May.
