Tourism
Freedom campers fall foul of Queenstown Lakes rules
More than 1600 fines of up to $800 were issued for infringements over the summer months.
Hundreds of fines handed out weekly to freedom campers
Three months since Queenstown introduced new freedom camping rules, many travellers are having far more expensive summer escapes than they bargained on. Every day, enforcement officers are handing out… Audio
Weird, wacky wildfood
From wild deer to huhu grubs - the Wildfoods Festival in Hokitika celebrates all foods foraged and feral. Anisha Satya talks to vender coordinator Cary Lancaster. Audio
Regional leaders calling for bed tax
Some local leaders are calling for a bed tax to help pay for much-needed facilities, saying they're not reaping the benefits of an increased visitor levy. Queenstown Lakes District Councillor Jon… Audio
Workers sleeping in cars as tourism drives up long-term rental prices
Hundreds of homes were earmarked for short-term stays and prices remained high, leaving some struggling to find a roof over their heads. Audio
Tourism boom hits Mackenzie District
The Mackenzie District Mayor says a tourism boom means the region is bursting at its seams. Mackenzie District Mayor Scott Aronsen spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss. Audio
What to do if you're caught up in an international crisis
Explainer - The world is an increasingly dangerous place. What do you do if you're caught up in a conflict like the one raging in Iran and the Middle East? Audio
Thousands stranded as Iran conflict shuts major Middle East airports
The biggest disruption to global air transport since the Covid pandemic snarled travel for a second day. Audio
Locals question hosting World Surf League in Raglan
Some Raglan locals are questioning whether the town wants to host the upcoming World Surf League. Waikato reporter Libby Kirkby-McLeod reports. Audio
Customer abuse of hospitality workers nearly doubles in a year
More than a third of hospitality and tourism workers say they have been pressured into working while sick, not taking holidays or going without other minimum protections, new study says. Audio
'The trails are awesome, the location is awesome'
The Wellington Mountain Bike festival kicks off this Friday with three days of racing, shuttle runs, food, beer and entertainment in three different trail spots around the city.
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 25 February 2026
New details have emerged about exactly what was hacked in the MediMap data breach. Midday Report can reveal that recorded medication and substance allergies were compromised, along with records of… Audio
Campervan rentals drive Tourism Holdings' growth
Thl's campervan rental business helped drive up its first net profit by 17 percent with revenue growth of 4 percent.
Chinese and Pacific visitors using new tourism pathway
Chinese and Pacific visitor numbers using a new tourism pathway have nearly tripled in the past two months, with the Government crediting new visa-free settings for travellers coming via Australia… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 17 February 2026
Christchurch weighs a state of emergency as flooding slams the city: suburban streets are knee deep in water, four people are rescued from a car stuck in floodwaters in Little River and huge downpours… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Monday 16 February 2026
A storm has ravaged the lower North Island with states of emergency called in Manawatu, Otorohanga, Waipa, Tararua District and Rangitikei.Evacuations are happening now as flooding hits Lower Hutt… Audio
PM Christopher Luxon 'open' to looking at bed tax in a second term
The Prime Minister has softened his language around a bed tax, indicating it is something the government will consider if it wins a second term. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Monday 16 February
This morning we spoke to the Prime Minister after he confirmed Eden Park will host a State of Origin match next year. We also spoke to Sir Graham Lowe about the announcement; The Vaping Industry… Audio
Businesses face hard times in months following Tongariro fire
Tourism-dependent businesses in the central North Island town of Waimarino have faced hard times since November's fire in Tongariro National Park. The blaze, which burned through almost 3000 hectares… Audio
Tourist arrivals top 3.5 million for first time since Covid-19 pandemic
Stats NZ numbers show overseas visitors hit 3.51 million in the year ended December 2025, up six percent from the prior year.
