Redwoods centre becomes i-SITE

SUPPLIED

Those visiting Rotorua's Redwoods will soon be able to book attractions and access more tourist services from the forest, as the Redwoods Visitor Centre become's the city's newest i-SITE location.

Rotorua i-SITE manager Graham Brownrigg said visitors to the centre would soon notice some improvements to the layout, information displays and range of services on offer.

He said New Zealand's official i-SITE brand was the most recognised independent quality information source for international travellers.

"So we've transitioned the Redwoods Visitor Centre into the i-SITE brand, to provide visitors with the extended services already on offer at our other inner city i-SITE locations on Fenton St and at City Focus."

The new set-up hopes to offer an enhanced visitor experience at the forest, including more staff and longer opening hours at the visitor centre in line with Rotorua's other i-SITES.

Rotorua's i-SITE, part of Rotorua Lakes Council's Destination Rotorua business unit, took over management of the Redwoods Visitor Centre earlier this year.

Mr Brownrigg said the team at the Redwoods Visitor Centre had laid great foundations over many years and he wanted to build on what had already been achieved.

"First and foremost it's about forest information and forest safety. We'll be enhancing our presentation of information about the various tracks and trails in the area, and telling the stories of the forest through digital media, maps and via free WiFi which we've already made available," he said.

"It's a great way to present an important part of the Rotorua story.

"The way people get information is constantly evolving and, although information is regularly sought online, visitors still want to engage with people and discuss the information they've gathered.

"We want the centre to become an educational hub and enhance what's already on offer."
Originally opened as a forestry information point in 1978, the centre offers a wide range of forest-related information to help people and visitors to make the most of their forest experiences.

Staff provide information on all forest recreational activities, updates on track conditions and forestry operations, as well as information on other recreational opportunities and attractions around Rotorua.