Local businesses are keeping a positive attitude and continuing to adapt after the government announced an eight-week suspension of the quarantine-free travel bubble with Australia last week (July 23), despite this change resulting in a decrease in Australian tourists for the town.  

“It’s the right move,” Puzzling World marketing and operations manager Duncan Spear said.  

“It’s good we’re keeping coronavirus out as much as we can, we don’t want any hard closures coming up for spring and summer.”

Wanaka’s Wild Wire, the world’s highest waterfall climb, has been affected by recent cancellations and refunds.

“We’re looking forward to the Australian bubble [reopening] in the summer and that being a bit of a turning point, but if not we can adapt for a domestic market,” Wild Wire co-owner Mark Morrison said.

The continued uncertainty of border restrictions has prompted other businesses to adapt and focus on a more domestic market.

Cross Hill is evolving to target the local market by hosting events and food trucks.

The latest bubble suspension has affected luxury glamping accommodation provider Cross Hill further, adding to “an already significant impact”, general manager Tom Gerlach said. 

However, the business is evolving to incorporate events and a permanent food truck on its grounds in the foothills of Glen Dene Station.

“We’re now working really hard to activate the local community to come down and enjoy the beauty of the camp,” Tom said.

The new focus on domestic tourism has also been a “blessing” for WanaHaka owner Joe Waide.

The company, which offers wine tours combined with an educational Māori experience, has changed its target market away from overseas visitors and towards local weddings, high schools and families.

Joe said the situation had offered “a really great chance” for him to share local wineries and vineyards and “the Maori footprint” with locals.

PHOTO: Supplied