A Wānaka tourism company is giving back to the community this Saturday (November 26) by offering free sessions for locals on jet skis, paddle boards, aqua bikes and more.

Lakeland Wānaka general manager Michael Donald said the idea for the ‘Locals’ Day’ came from a desire to provide something positive during a period when a lot of people are struggling and to help bring some liveliness to the town ahead of the summer season.

“It’s a nice way to kick summer off,” Michael told the Wānaka App. “A lot of people have been in touch and some quite cool stories are coming out of it.”

To register their interest people have been asked to fill in an online form and answer the question about why ‘supporting local’ matters to them. 

Michael said the answers have shown that many locals are appreciating their own backyard more than ever and they are keen to try out local tourism experiences. 

While the Covid-19 border closures had its impacts on Lakeland Wānaka, Michael said local support went a long way.

Even pre-Covid, he said, the market for its offerings are mainly Australians and New Zealanders, and as the summer approaches, things are “looking positive”, Michael said.

Locals’ Day has garnered a lot of interest and the jet boat rides and jet ski tours are approaching 90 percent capacity, he said, but there’s plenty of space on some other offerings.

“There is still a lot of space for locals who might want a kayak ride with their families, a paddle board or a go on the aqua bikes,” Michael said.

Locals’ Day is free for registered participants with a ‘pay what you want’ optional to help cover fixed costs. 

Any profits will be donated to local waterways initiatives.

Find more information or register your interest in the Lakeland Wānaka Locals’ Day here.

Any postponements or cancellations due to weather will be shared on the Lakeland Wānaka Facebook page, Michael said.

PHOTO: Lakeland Wānaka