About Us

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

If you have any questions about the website or marketing then email us.

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

If you have any questions about visiting Wanaka or holiday questions then email the Visitor Centre.

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 and Campaign Manager), Jessie Byrne (Digital Marketing Executive) and Carleen Cram (Accounts Administration).

A Board of six elected from the membership at the annual general meeting governs Lake Wanaka Tourism. The Chair is Matt Woods and the other board members are: Mike Barton (Deputy & Treasurer), Megan Williams, Ramash Swamy, Andrea Kendrick and Mark Morrison.

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.

LWT Strategic Plan - Toward 2028