New Zealand
Scenic Hotels adds to West Coast collection
Scenic Hotel Group has signed an exclusive hotel management agreement with the new owners of the Te Weheka Hotel in Fox Glacier and is managing the property as Scenic Hotel Te Weheka.
Adventure South to add Kawarau trail
Adventure South NZ will incorporate the Kawarau Gorge Trail into four multi-day cycling itineraries following its official opening on Sunday 25 October.
Big summer for CHC
Christchurch Airport is preparing for its biggest international summer season yet. More than 1.27 million international seats will be available across the season between November and March, 21% more than last summer.
New high-end brand for inbound operator
PPG Tours has launched a new luxury inbound brand, Curated Experiences, designed to grow the high-net-worth (HNW) inbound FIT market.
THL CEO: New Zealand in ‘positive position’
New Zealand is still in one of the most positive positions globally when it comes to tourism, particularly in terms of desirability, says THL CEO Grant Webster.
Work starts on Rydges Tauranga
Work has begun on the new-build Rydges Tauranga, due to open late 2028.
Located 50 metres from Tauranga’s waterfront promenade at 62 Willow Street, the hotel will support growing demand from both leisure and business travellers in one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing cities.
Visitor taxes ‘nothing about tourism’
Fees and charges dressed up as tourist taxes actually have nothing to do with tourism and are just ways for cash strapped governments or local authorities to raise funds, a ‘beamed-in’ speaker at the Tourism Export Council conference said last week.
Skål Auckland kicks off August at Eden Park
Skål International Auckland members stepped off the sidelines last week and into the action for a memorable networking lunch and exclusive Behind the Scenes Tour at Eden Park.
Queenstown cable car gains momentum
Queenstown’s growing traffic problem could soon be eased, with the development of a new public transport system gaining momentum.
CHC exec: ‘Quality of visitor trending well’
Success in the visitor market is not all about numbers. That’s according to Gordon Bevan, general manager aeronautical development Christchurch Airport, who made the comments at the Tourism Export Council Conference in Christchurch on Wednesday.
Enhancing Northland’s golf tourism
As regional tourism bodies across New Zealand look to smooth out seasonal fluctuations, accommodation leaders in Northland are pointing to golf tourism as a high-value, year-round driver.
APT and Travelmarvel New Zealand release
Both APT and Travelmarvel have launched bookings for their 2028-29 New Zealand programme with a diverse range of touring styles, including rail journeys, land tours and small-group experiences.
voco opens in ZQN
voco Queenstown is now open, marking the completion of the repositioning of the former Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown into IHG’s premium upscale voco brand.
Contiki’s sweat and connect trip in NZ
Contiki has launched the NZ Run Club: Muriwai Half Marathon, an eight-day itinerary that responds to a cultural shift where younger travellers prefer moving, sweating, and connecting with local cultures over traditional sightseeing.
Machines are now an audience, says TNZ
Tourism New Zealand is now talking to two audiences – human travellers and machines, the organisations CEO René de Monchy told the WiT Queenstown conference earlier this week.
NZ gateways progress, tours up but it’s tougher for regions
New Zealand’s hotel sector delivered solid RevPAR (revenue per available room) growth of 8.6% in June, but the picture is far from uniform according to the latest report from consultancy Horwath HTL.
Rotorua operator spreads message
Further building its profile beyond what may be regarded as the traditional conference and incentive sector is a key objective of the Plenty Group, operator of popular venues and caterer at many off-site locations around Rotorua.
Hui pass to help business events visitors explore AKL
A new public transport pass designed for conference and meetings delegates will make it easier to explore Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, supporting a more connected and sustainable visitor experience.
LyLo makes appointments to leadership team
LyLo, part of the EVT group, has appointed Steve Kimi as LyLo’s operations manager and Stephen Bradley as general manager of LyLo Queenstown
Marlborough invests in visitor attractions
Marlborough has released a number of announcements around planned investment into well-known visitor attractions.
Skål Auckland marks Matariki – July 4th next
With NZ’s Matariki holiday around the corner, Skål International Auckland was early off the mark, using its June event to celebrate ‘Matariki: A Night of Stars’ at Auckland’s Stardome Observatory & Planetarium. Attendees had exclusive access to Stardome’s massive telescope to view the many stars and constellations in the perfectly clear night sky.
BEIA promotes four strategic pillars
In the lead up to this year’s election, Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) will be telling politicians how the government should be supporting and using the sector more strategically to support national priorities and long-term economic growth, delegates at MEETINGS heard this week.
World-first experience for AJ Hackett Bungy NZ
Tourism pioneer AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand (AJHBNZ) will launch the world’s highest lift-and-descent ride at Auckland’s Sky Tower this month.
Events drive CHC, WLG hotel occupancy
Christchurch hotels reported their highest April occupancy since 2019 at 80.9% this year, supported by two major events that drew significant crowds to the city.
One for aviation geeks
Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland Airport has launched an Aviation Enthusiast Experience Package designed for travellers who never tire of watching aircraft take to the sky.
Australians, group tours boost New Zealand hotels
New Zealand’s hotel sector delivered a solid month in May, with hotels reporting a 12.3% RevPAR growth compared to May last year, according to Hotel Data New Zealand (HDNZ).
Te Awa suites opens on Hamilton’s motel mile
Hamilton-based Pragma Hospitality Group has officially opened Te Awa Suites, a transformed apartment-style property at 272 Ulster Street, Hamilton.
New hotel on Rotorua’s lakefront a step closer
A new hotel on Rotorua’s lakefront is a step closer to becoming a reality, with Pukeroa Lakefront Holdings Limited (Pukeroa) signing a Memorandum of Understanding with New Zealand developer, Templeton Group.
Christchurch’s extended ‘moment’
Christchurch is definitely having a moment – more than a moment.
Major projects in sight for RealNZ
Following the success of its Milford Sound Business Class Experience, launched late last year, RealNZ has several other major projects in the pipeline as it continues to expand both its tourism offering and conservation work across the country.
Cheese rolling through New Zealand on new Kiwi Experience tour
Kiwi Experience has released The Cheese Roll – a new 15-night Classic Tour in response to growing demand for experience-led, hassle-free travel across New Zealand.
New for Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay’s food and wine scene continues to expand, further cementing the region as one of the country’s premier culinary destinations.
Gannet Safaris Overland at Cape Kidnappers is launching a new food and wine experience that combines a visit to the gannet colony with a curated culinary and beverage offering in the same tour; Wallingford Homestead has introduced truffle weekends running in July and August; and in October, the region will host wine experts from around the world for the Great Wine Capitals Global Conference.
Events, inbound drive strong April NZ hotel performance
New Zealand’s hotel sector delivered another strong month in April, despite ongoing geopolitical turmoil globally, with hotel performance data according to Hotel Data New Zealand (HDNZ) showing healthy RevPAR growth across the country’s key centres.
Wheels turning for cycle tourism
New Zealand’s cycle tourism sector continues to gain momentum, with several significant infrastructure developments underway across the country as demand for active and nature-based travel experiences grows.
Secret Spot Hot Pool heads to Christchurch
Secret Spot Hot Tubs will open its newest location at Christchurch Adventure Park.
Building on its established experience in Rotorua, Secret Spot Hot Tubs will add a new way to enjoy the adventure park.
Revamp complete at Christchurch Airport
Christchurch Airport has completed a major terminal revamp, with the opening of a new children’s play area marking the final stage of the project.
Central North Island has a big day with AKL trade
About 250 tourism buyers flowed through the 2026 iteration of the eXplore Trade Show at Eden Park yesterday.
Close to home, cycling, hiking and shorter trips, all in focus for Intrepid
Close to home tours, including those in New Zealand, with an emphasis on hiking and cycling are a current focus for Intrepid here, says NZ country general manager Simon Mckearney.
Refurbished hotel now Mercure Tauranga
Mercure Tauranga has opened in Tauranga.
Formerly Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre and located in Tauranga's CBD, the 80-room hotel has rebranded and is in the final stages of a multi-million-dollar refurbishment to bring it in line with Mercure brand standards.
Sky-high venue opens as Radisson eyes NZ growth
Today sees the official opening of Aka, Australasia’s largest outdoor rooftop dining destination, at the newly opened Radisson Red Hotel in Auckland. Fifteen levels above the city and spanning 800sqm with capacity for 300 guests, it’s a significant opening for Auckland and a debut for the Radisson brand in New Zealand.
Positive vibes rule at big inbound event despite some caution around ME
New Zealand’s inbound tourism trade continues to take a ‘wait and see’ approach to the impact from the Middle East conflict, while continuing to proactively work with offshore markets in what is still generally a positive business environment.
Kiwi lux buyers get bespoke taste of QLD, with Signature Experiences to fore at event
A strong contingent of New Zealand-based specialist buyers who develop high-end and experiential travel itineraries for international markets have joined Australian counterparts at Bespoke Queensland in Brisbane this week.
Updates and optimism, but eye on conflict, as inbound trade and RTOs get together
About 160 members of New Zealand’s inbound travel trade met with regional tourism office (RTO) reps in Auckland this week, with an overall sense of optimism but a close eye on potential setbacks due to the Iran war and other geopolitical issues.
Alliances, training in focus but friendship still at core of Skål, says World president
Current world events show that friendship and relationships are more important than ever in the travel and tourism sectors, says an industry leader presently in Auckland.
Rose Park joins Marsden Group
Marsden Hotel Group has addded Rose Park Hotel Auckland to its portfolio, effective 1 February 2026.
Kiwi Experience adapts for Gen Z’s preferences
Kiwi Experience is adapting its trips for a new generation of travellers.
Coronet Ridge Resort debuts in Queenstown
Coronet Ridge Resort, Queenstown’s newest five-star alpine property, has opened following a multi-million-dollar redevelopment.
NZ luxury tourism operators hail premium cabin boost
A stronger uptake of premium seats and the move from airlines, particularly out of the US, to meet the high yiled demand is a positive sign for New Zealand’s inbound luxury market, says Louise Frend of Unique Stays & Experiences.
Study shows cruise tourism injects $1.23 billion into NZ, underscores work to be done
Cruise tourism has delivered more than $1.23 billion in economic benefits to the New Zealand economy during 2024-25, according to a report commissioned by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA).
Study shows cruise tourism injects $1.23 billion into NZ, underscores work to be done
Cruise tourism has delivered more than $1.23 billion in economic benefits to the New Zealand economy during 2024-25, according to a report commissioned by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA).
November strongest month for NZ hotels in five years
New Zealand’s hotel sector delivered one of its strongest months in several years in November 2025, according to Hotel Data New Zealand (HDNZ), with high occupancies and record average rates across the country, supported by solid international arrivals and standout event-driven demand in key centres.
The Southerner’s May 2026 departures
Great Journeys New Zealand has announced the return of The Southerner, the rail journey reconnecting Christchurch and Dunedin.
Skål AKL donates to City Mission
Through the generosity of attendees and items donated by travel and tourism providers, Skål International Auckland will donate $1000 from proceeds of its successful Christmas lunch and auction to the Auckland City Mission.
LyLo road trips ‘pop-up’ on Kiwi roads
LyLo is hitting New Zealand’s open roads with a fleet of LyLo-inspired campervans.
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Business brand for inbound collective
NZ Bespoke, representing a range of venues, accommodation providers and experiences for the corporate retreat, incentive and conference markets, was launched officially at the Business Events Expo (BEE) in Auckland last week.
New dates, new venue for travel show
The Auckland Travel Show has announced an update to its 2026 event, with the show now set to take place on 9 and 10 May 2026 at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland’s city centre.
Self pour on the rooftop in ZQN
LyLo’s rooftop bar has introduced a self-pour cocktail and beer wall.
NZ hotels show growth in RevPAR
Performance of New Zealand’s major hotels strengthened in October, with broad-based demand growth across segments.
