Interpretation New Zealand

Naumai

The West Coast relies heavily on tourism to sustain and develop it’s future. Recently we visited the West Coast Tree Top and cafe walkway, not far from the picturesque Lake Mahinapua  – and about twenty minutes from Hokitika.

First appearances were far from bright. It was simply pouring and there surprisingly no option to drop anybody alongside or in a sheltered canopy. Our mood wasn’t helped when we had to wait for the staff to actually greet us – they were too busy talking to each other.

The walkway itself had lots of potential to be improved. The structural components of the walkway were fine but the visitor experience could have been greatly enhanced. The panels were simple but okay but so much more opportunity to enhance the experience  through some immersive experiences. Wildlife is great when its there, but when its not….

Our visitor experience was further downgraded on the way out. The walk through the compulsory gift shop came to a sudden halt when we struck the main exit door – it was locked. Still 30 minutes before closing and while most people would have been trying to get in we were simply trying to get out! Staff, looking suitably embarrassed, eventually came to allow us out…

The visit was in November. I hate to think what sort of visitor experience this would be in the peak of summer, and the visitor season.

Ka kite ano