Local businesses and organisations are readying themselves as the annual influx of visitors to the Upper Clutha for Christmas and the New Year period begins. 

“We are bracing ourselves for all hell to break loose on January 1,” Big Fig co-owner Chrissie Lahood told the Wānaka App. 

“It always does - there’s no reason to think this year will be any different.”

She said the Big Fig team has lots of strategies in place to get through the busiest time of year without getting overwhelmed, including having plenty of staff rostered on.

“It’s all hands on deck,” she said.

It’s also all-go at Wānaka Top 10 Holiday Park, where it is set to get “very busy” in the coming days.

Reception and housekeeping manager Lucy Clements said the powered sites were the first to sell out for the Christmas break when they went on sale.

The park has “just a few bookings” left between now and the end of January. 

During this period the team is “very hands on”, jumping between roles and tasks as needed to ensure a good customer experience, Lucy said. 

Edgewater Hotel is excited for summer visitors to be the first guests to stay in the hotel’s newly refurbished premium guest rooms.

Around one third of the rooms have been undergoing renovations since April and the first guests to stay in the rooms arrived on December 18.

“We’re lined up for high occupancies through the Christmas period,” Edgewater Wānaka general manager Colin McLean said. 

With plenty of staff, he is anticipating a smooth summer period.

“Last year we were significantly short-staffed, which made it feel like a rushed, busy summer,” he said. “We’re now well staffed and prepared for what looks to be a great summer ahead.”

NZ Police are also rostering more staff in the coming days to help ensure the New Year period goes as smoothly as possible.

Fifty-two officers will be rostered between December 28 and January 2, an increase of 36 on normal numbers, Wānaka Police senior sergeant Chris Brooks said.

The officers’ objective is to minimise harm, to ensure everyone has a good time and that visitors and residents enjoy themselves over the holiday period, Chris said.

The lakes and rivers are a large part of what draws visitors to the Upper Clutha over summer and Coastguard Wānaka Lakes is ready to respond to any emergencies.

Coastguard Wānaka Lakes past president Jonathan Walmisley recommends that people going out on the water (aside from his number one instruction to have fun) wear a lifejacket, tell someone where they’re going, and provide them with instructions on what to do if they aren’t back when expected. 

“Have some means of communication so wherever you are you can call for someone,” he said. “And don’t hesitate to call for help if you need it.”

PHOTO: Wānaka App