Gough said Te Moutere – Tuatara Island served as both a community asset and tourist attraction, offering domestic and international visitors another unique Southland experience.
Great South general manager tourism and events Mark Frood said the new facility added to the region’s variety of tourism experiences.
“Murihiku Southland offers many attractions that appeal to our returning international and domestic visitors,” he said.
“Getting close to nature and seeing our flora and fauna is an important part of that experience. Having the opportunity to be educated about stories such as Henry’s makes that experience so much richer for our visitors and locals alike.
“We have missed Henry being available for the public to visit. The 120-year-old Henry has had a life in Southland for many years and has seen many of our visitors to the region. We are excited that this now continues.”
The new facility is part of Project 1225, which also includes the construction of Te Unua Museum of Southland, due to open in 2026, and Te Pātaka Taoka Southern Regional Collections Storage Facility, completed in December 2023.
