About Us

Lake Wanaka Tourism is a Regional Tourism Organisation formed in 1993. The organisation is a membership based, incorporated society, with 450+ member businesses.

A Board of six elected from the membership at the annual general meeting governs Lake Wanaka Tourism. The Chair is Mark Morrison and the other board members are: Mike Barton (Deputy & Treasurer), Megan Williams, Mandy Enoka, Bridget Parker (Secretary) and Nadia Ellis.

Lake Wanaka Tourism is managed by a General Manager, James Helmore and is assisted by Tess Hellebrekers (Online Executive), Geoff Marks (Business Development Executive), Gizelle Regan (Media Advisor), Nicola King (Marketing Co-ordinator) and Toni Collins (Administration).

Lake Wanaka Tourism is predominantly funded by a tourism levy, determined as a percentage of the commercial and accommodation rate, and collected by council on behalf of Lake Wanaka Tourism.

Members are either commercial ratepayers or businesses who pay a subscription levy. 

Lake Wanaka Tourism wholely owns the Wanaka i-SITE Visitor Centre and runs it as a limited liability company governed by a seperate independent board and Manager. A portion of their profits are returned each year to help fund the marketing work done by Lake Wanaka Tourism.

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