Tourism
Tourism sector says return to pre-Covid numbers will take years
The welcome mat is out for tourists but it could be another four years before Aotearoa's back to pre-Covid visitor numbers.
And the industry says it will need extra financial help despite today's… Video, Audio
NZ ready to welcome world back - Jacinda Ardern
New Zealand is ready to welcome the world back - that's the message from the Prime Ministerial podium - as the country's reopening is accelerated.
The timeline for easing border restrictions has… Audio
'Apart from lockdown, the last few weeks have been the toughest' - Tourism industry
Tourism operators are not expecting an immediate flood of visitors when the border finally opens, but are hoping to at least have Australian visitors in by Easter. Audio
Tourism operators keen for border reopen announcement today
Later today The government is expected to announce that they are bringing forward the date at which the country's borders reopen to international visitors. Our tourism operators are, as you'd expect… Audio
Tourism operators seek certainty from PM's border announcement
Tourism operators are hopeful the border could be open in time for Australians to eat our hot cross buns this Easter.
Tourism operators hoping for international travellers by Easter
Tourism operators are hopeful the border could be open in time for Aussies to eat our hot cross buns this Easter.
The Prime Minister is due to announce plans to fast-track the reopening of the border… Audio
Tourism staffing concerns ahead of border reopening
The Tourism Minister has acknowledged businesses are concerned about staffing ahead of the border reopening, but says support will be there.
Two new Matariki winter festivals to get funding
Two new winter festivals marking Matariki have received government backing with hopes they will become internationally significant.
International airlines slow flight bookings to NZ due to high fuel price, low load
Forward bookings by international air travellers have gone soft after the initial spike, following last month's easing of border restrictions.
Tourism recovery fund only a stopgap fix, operators say
Tourism businesses in the five hardest-hit regions say targeted government funding has been a boon but not a silver bullet.
Lake Dunstan cycle trail eclipses expectations in first year
Otago's new cycle trail has eclipsed expectations in its first year, with nearly ten times more visitors than predicted.
The Lake Dunstan cycle trail opened in May last year and goes from Cromwell to… Video, Audio
Tourism NZ says industry will focus on reopening 'rehiring and hiring new staff'
The head of Tourism New Zealand says 2022 looks like the year of reopening, but he acknowledges it will be a bumpy road ahead.
Cruise ship industry wants more certainty, sooner, about maritime border reopening
Cruise companies say they do not know when they will be able to return to Aotearoa and their preparation deadline is rapidly approaching.
Cruise industry wants maritime border opened
The cruise ship industry is urging the government to hurry up and reopen the maritime border.
The government has announced a phased reopening of the border but it's focused on air, not sea travel.
… Audio
Fears border changes may burst domestic travel bubble
A Methven tourism operator fears the border opening may not result in the economic boom many are forecasting.
DOC closes Whanganui River journey after paddlers test positive for Covid-19
The Department of Conservation has closed the Whanganui River to kayakers and canoeists on the upper and middle reaches after four paddlers tested positive for Covid-19.
Community board backs doubling of Stewart Island visitor levy
Plans to potentially treble the Stewart Island visitor levy are back on the table, but the local community board did not want the levy bumped above $10.
$16.5m funding available for Matariki-related tourism infrastructure
There's $16.5 million up for grabs in a new funding round from the government as the nation prepares for the return of international tourists and more Kiwis returning home. Audio
Tourism sector anxious over timing of full border reopening, finding staff
Tourism operators are pleased to see self isolation for travellers kicked to the curb, but say they still need answers about the border.
Tourism sector welcomes border opening but questions remain
Tourism operators are pleased to see self isolation for travellers kicked to the curb, but say they still need answers about the border.
By the end of the week, self isolation will be a thing of the… Audio
