NEW ZEALAND [TRAVEL + TOURISM]

[SYDNEY]

360 Degrees on Queenstown and Wanaka Goes Live

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Queenstown lake - New Zealand. by globetrottingmatt, on Flickr

An exciting new tourism website aimed at promoting Queenstown and Wanaka’s attractions to the online world using the latest in panoramic photographic technology was launched earlier this week in Wanaka. Keith Stubbs, owner and operator of www.360queenstown-wanaka.com, described the site as “Google Maps meets Google Street View and the Yellow Pages rolled into one”, and predicted it would be one of the three or four biggest websites in the area. “The 360qw mission is to provide the most comprehensive and detailed information website for Queenstown and Wanaka while producing useful and entertaining content all year round,” he said. Launched to an audience of tourism professionals at Wanaka’s Oakridge Hotel, Mr Stubbs said the site incorporates stunning 360-degree interactive panoramic photography with maps, detailed information and editorial, as well as regular updates on weather, river, lake and snow conditions. A Wanaka local who is originally from the UK, Mr Stubbs first went to Japan to write for a guidebook entitled ‘Snow Search Japan’. (The guide book went on to win a gold medal at the New York Independent Publisher Awards). It was in Japan that he became involved with the first 360 website in the resort of Niseko. “The 360 founders wanted the second site in the world to be launched in a renowned international tourism region,” he said.

“In a busy winter month 360niseko has 17,400 visits, 8,000 unique visitors, and 43,000 page views, so as Queenstown and Wanaka are year-round tourism destinations we’re expecting the kind of stats we’ve seen in Japan in both summer and winter. “With year-round activities, many of which are outdoors, just about every corner is stunning and the potential is huge. Our home page carousel is a prime piece of web real estate.” Mr Stubbs said all local businesses were being encouraged in the first instance to sign up for a free basic listing. “We want to get businesses engaged with the site, which is pretty simple to do, just like updating a Facebook page. Then they can become familiar with the product and service, and see how it works before deciding if they want to sign up for one of the sponsored packages, which can include panoramic shots of their own business and be included on the most detailed maps available which will take customers directly to them.” Aiming for 1000 panoramas on the site within the year, Mr Stubbs said he already had 100 location pages and over 200 panoramas uploaded. He is working with local and highly respected photographer Jackie Gay who captures the entire sphere of an image, above and below.

Mr Stubbs said there is considerable skill required in taking the original shots but understanding the “stitching process” is the key element. Stitching the panoramic images together takes about two hours for each ‘pano’, which can be linked together to create a virtual tour through a business. “Because we’ve developed and grown this skill in-house, we keep costs low and are able to offer the very latest in cutting-edge technology to our local businesses at a very competitive price,” he said. Mr Stubbs said iPads, iPhones and other smart devices were predicted to take over from websites as traveller information portals by 2014. With this technology the panoramas come into their own as the instinctive tilting of the devices enable users to “look around” as they would naturally. He said there were many obvious advantages to users, who were “pretty likely” to be coming to Wanaka or Queenstown if they were looking on the site, or potentially in the area already. “They’ll be able to find easily located business details, including descriptions, opening times, phone numbers, maps (including satellite maps with topography), and direct links to the business’s website – plus that stunning 360 degree image or virtual tour. “This is much more than a directory with attractive visuals. We’re dedicated to promoting Queenstown and Wanaka as a world class destination and invest a significant amount of our revenue back into reaching the right people from the right places.” An events database and accommodation booking engine are also in the pipeline for the site. All prices and plans are available on the website www.360queenstown-wanaka.com

[SYDNEY]

Kiwi Experience Number One for Independent Travel

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Conical Hill-Routeburn Track-New Zealand by mikemellinger, on Flickr

Legendary New Zealand hop-on hop-off bus adventure tour, Kiwi Experience, was awarded Best Tour Operator and Best Transport Operator at the Golden Backpack Awards in Sydney on Thursday night. While it is the first time the big green buses have won the Best Transport Operator Award, 2012 marks the fifth time Kiwi Experience has won the award for Best Tour Operator. The awards, which are Australasia’s only dedicated awards program for the independent travel sector, recognise companies which make travelling around Australia and New Zealand extra memorable. Run by TNT magazine, the international campaign for the Golden Backpack Awards saw almost 80,000 votes cast by travel lovers from around the world. Tourism Holdings Limited (thl) GM Marketing and Customer Experience, Kate Meldrum, says the Kiwi Experience team are thrilled to have won the two awards - a first for the tour operator. “While we are always excited to come home with one Golden Backpack, to win two is just the icing on the cake of what has been another awesome year. “Kiwi Experience would not be what it is today without our incredible team of driver guides, operations masterminds and trade partners and these awards are a credit to their efforts. It is the involvement of all of these parties that has enabled us to show travellers the best of what New Zealand has to offer and make sure they have a great time along the way.” In addition to Kiwi Experience, one of the newest additions to thl’s brand portfolio, Mighty Campervans, was also nominated for the Best Car/Campervan Rental Company in New Zealand – a promising start for the brand which only launched to market in May. Kiwi Experience has been successfully operating hop-on, hop-off tours aboard their legendary buses for over 22 years and with consistent demand from travellers the world over, there are no signs of slowing down as peak season approaches. For more information about Kiwi Experience and the range of tours available, visit www.kiwiexperience.com

[SYDNEY]

Matamata gears for influx of Tolkien pilgrims

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30 MAR 12 HOBBITON WAIKATO by Urban+Explorer, on Flickr

A record number of tourists on a pilgrimage to JRR Tolkien's Middle Earth are expected in the once sleepy Waikato dairying town of Matamata. The numbers through the i-SITE door are expected to double to around 400,000 in the coming year following the world premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Part 1 in Wellington on November 28 and the general release of the film on December 12. Sue Whiting, manager of the Matamata Public Relations Association which runs the i-SITE tourist information centre, said the town now knew what to expect with the release of a Tolkien movie, having enjoyed three films in 2001, 2002 and 2003. She expected the first of the new Tolkien prequel trilogy to break the 2004 record of 360,000 visitors to Matamata and edge close to 400,000. "We went from an average of about 50,000 visitors a year, before the first of the Lord of the Rings films in in 2001, to a record of 360,000, the year after Return of the King in 2004," she said. "Now it's about 200,000 a year." "We have never really stopped since then and there's massive interest in the new movie." Matamata-Piako District Mayor, Hugh Vercoe said the expected visitor numbers were "absolutely fantastic", but doubted the people of Matamata were truly prepared for the crowds. "Whenever people used to come here, they would always want their photo taken just in front of the sign, now I imagine even more people will want their picture in front of the new gateway, it will be tremendously iconic. I don't think the town fully appreciates the numbers that will come through, but it will certainly be good for them. It's definitely exciting," he said. Set builders, returning the Hobbiton movie set on the Alexander sheep farm near Matamata to a film-ready condition over the past few years, had helped boost the town's economy. The veil of secrecy, around the movie set which attracts hundreds of visitors per day, has finally been lifted. Hobbiton, whose hobbit holes were stripped to plywood shells when the Rings film crew left a decade ago, has been restored to its former glory for The Hobbit trilogy. Jackson, who has a 50/50 share in the business alongside the Alexander family who own the land, has also enlarged the set with additional Hobbit holes making 44 in all. "About five years ago Peter Jackson said he wanted to make The Hobbit and said he wanted to come back and rebuild Hobbiton and we entered a joint venture with him," Russell Alexander, general manager of Hobbiton, said. "We had to get it looking like the 1700s." "There will be a bit of an influx of visitors," Mr Alexander said. "We want to have The Green Dragon pub open for the premiere." From Hobbiton's lakeside pub, rebuilt for The Hobbit after being burned to the ground for The Return of the King, punters will be able to enjoy a swift beer as they conclude their tour of the set. The new, improved, Hobbiton employs around 50 staff including 10 gardeners.

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Three more sleeps until the World premiere in Wellywood

[SYDNEY]

Originally Posted by Mr_kiwi_fruit

Three more sleeps until the World premiere in Wellywood

One more

[SYDNEY]

New Zealand picked to host top Chinese travel agents

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Chinese New Year by suzienewshoes, on Flickr

China Southern Airlines senior executives have chosen New Zealand as the location to host 250 top travel agents from China for its annual agent incentive event in December – travelling on the airline’s brand new A380 aircraft. "The visit from such a large group of travel opinion leaders will provide huge potential for future promotion of New Zealand in this key outbound travel market," says Glenn Wedlock, General Manager Aeronautical Commercial for Auckland Airport. "These are the top China Southern travel partners, and this visit is very much in line with our focus on our Ambition 2020 goals to develop more New Zealand experiences and build higher quality offerings for Chinese visitors. This is an incredible opportunity for the individual operators and destinations that are part of their tour, as well as for the New Zealand tourism industry as a whole.” "It’s very pleasing for Auckland Airport to have played a key role in securing this incentive for Auckland and New Zealand, and to be chosen as a partner in this initiative. For New Zealand, it is a fantastic honour to be the chosen country for this incentive visit and senior delegation. This reiterates the commitment China Southern has for the New Zealand market and the airline's focus on its Canton (Auckland – Guangzhou – Europe) services.” The 250 delegates will be in New Zealand for five days, visiting various tourist destinations around Auckland, including new experiences on Waiheke Island, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Hobbiton in Matamata and Waitomo Caves. China Southern is also holding a gala dinner at the Viaduct Events Centre for the agents, which will be attended by New Zealand tourism industry and business leaders. Other events for the delegation will include dialogue between the New Zealand tourism and trade industries to further deepen New Zealand and China relationships and opportunities. "China Southern Airlines is committed to developing our service with New Zealand and as a way of demonstrating this, and rewarding our most successful travel agents, we chose this country for our annual familiarisation programme. This trip will allow the travel agents to experience what New Zealand has to offer their customers first-hand, and in doing so increase the opportunity for third-party endorse to future travellers," says Mr Henry Dai, China Southern Airlines’ New Zealand General Manager. "We are very happy to have a strong strategic partnership with Auckland Airport, as this will enable us to succeed in this market." China Southern Airlines flies daily between Auckland and Guangzhou (formerly Canton), China's third largest city and the capital of the Guangdong province, a major importing and exporting hub in China and the tourism gateway to the rest of southern China. China Southern Airlines is the world's third largest airline as measured by passengers carried and Asia's largest airline in both fleet size and passengers carried. The airline flies to 121 destinations, flying A330-200 aircraft between Auckland and Guangzhou, which have the capability to transport perishable and other high value goods. China Southern is flying its new A380 to New Zealand for two round trips during the delegation visit. The A380 is a double deck aircraft and is the world’s largest commercial aircraft flying, with capacity to carry 525 passengers in a comfortable three-class configuration. Currently the airline still has 136 aircraft on order, including 10 most recent models of B787-800 and one aircraft jumbo A380-800 (four have been delivered earlier this year), which creates big potential for future growth.

[SYDNEY]

New Zealand voted tops in UK survey

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Routeburn Valley-Routeburn Track-New Zealand by mikemellinger, on Flickr

New Zealand was presented the ‘Favourite Country – Worldwide’ award at the Telegraph Travel Awards in a ceremony at the ME Hotel in London last night. The Telegraph Travel Awards are known in the industry as being comprehensive, transparent and trusted due to the fact they are decided by votes by readers. More than 17,000 Telegraph readers took part in the poll this year. New Zealand edged out finalists Maldives and South Africa to win the ‘Favourite Country – Worldwide’ category. Kevin Bowler, Chief Executive Tourism New Zealand said the award is a huge honour. “We are so pleased and excited to have received this award and would like to thank Telegraph readers for their passion and enthusiasm for New Zealand. “It’s great news for us to know that, even in these tough economic times long haul destinations like New Zealand are obviously still so important and inspiring to Telegraph readers. “It’s been an exciting year for New Zealand - this time last year we were still celebrating a very successful Rugby World Cup and we are now looking forward to the world premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey which is coming up in Wellington in just a few short weeks’ time.” This latest accolade for New Zealand follows closely behind Tourism New Zealand’s recent win for the third year running as Australasia’s Leading Tourist Board, and its nominations this week in two categories for the World Travel Awards. The World Travel Awards was founded in 1993 to recognise, acknowledge and reward excellence in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry worldwide. Tourism New Zealand is in the running to be named the World's Leading Tourist Board. And it’s new 100% Middle-earth, 100% Pure New Zealand campaign is one of just four finalists for the World's Leading Destination Marketing Campaign. The other finalists are Australia – There’s Nothing Like Australia; Morocco – Movement for more summer; and Spain – I need Spain. The official online voting is now open at www.worldtravelawards.com/vote and closes on 25th November. The winners will be announced in Delhi, India on 12 December. For more information about the Telegraph Travel Awards, and for the full list of winners go to www.telegraph.co.uk/

[SYDNEY]

Stars get Indonesia hungry for NZ travel

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The Interislander Ferry in New Zealand by Kristian Pletten, on Flickr

Auckland Airport says the stars are aligning for an influx of visitors from Indonesia, a market it describes as the next China. The company is launching a big marketing push with a double dose of celebrity power and a multimedia campaign in Indonesia whose economy, now the 16th biggest in the world, is forecast to be the seventh biggest by 2030. The campaign is part of a $10 million a year marketing budget the airport has to expand tourism and build up more air links, primarily in the Pacific Rim. Indonesian celebrity chef Farah Quinn arrived yesterday to film cooking shows that will be fronted by model and actress Jessica Iskandar. The pair have more than 2.5 million Facebook and Twitter followers between them. Java-born Quinn finished her high school years in the US and from there embarked on a culinary career. Ala Chef is a cooking show where she gets to explore the regional cuisine and produce of Indonesia. Their visit comes as Indonesian airline Garuda expresses growing confidence in starting services to New Zealand next year. Earlier this year Garuda said it would fly to New Zealand when market conditions allowed and during the past week said Auckland would be part of its expansion plans in the third quarter of next year in addition to London and Brisbane. The airline is undergoing substantial renewal and is due to take delivery of 24 new aircraft next year. It has said it would use an Airbus A330 to fly to New Zealand. Glenn Wedlock, general manager aeronautical commercial for Auckland Airport said Air New Zealand's decision to extend its Bali season was also positive. Although aimed at New Zealanders flying to the tourist island, it would help create interest in Indonesia. Air service negotiations were under way between Indonesian and New Zealand officials that could increase flights between the two countries. Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee's office yesterday said discussions have been held with Indonesia and the Government expects new arrangements will be announced in the first quarter of next year. The existing agreement allows for 900 seats a week for the airlines of each country. Quinn's popular show Ala Chef will feature her visit to Auckland and Queenstown, there will be a print media campaign including the Jakarta Post and a digital drive including the Luxury NZ website. Wedlock said while potential visitors studied and learn online, most would finally "convert" through the travel agencies. Quinn and Iskandar's social media followers were largely among the target market - the fast growing middle class.

Following Quinn's visit in May web traffic to New Zealand travel websites surged between 30 and 40 per cent. During the past year Chinese and Taiwanese stars have also been brought by the airport and tourism partners to New Zealand to promote the country. Unlike airlines, the airport was active in markets well before services started and was targeting the middle class and upper middle class. The aim was to create demand and have seats filled at an "appropriate price", Wedlock said. "We're building our New Zealand positioning in the market so there's a good yield for carriers when they do come in. "We don't want to see a lot of capacity come in and everyone lowers their fares. The airport was keen on knowing what worked and what doesn't work in the different markets. It was difficult for airlines to invest before they knew they had a strong competitive position. Wedlock said the new campaign would work in the short term, even without direct air links to New Zealand. "It's kicking off because there is a peak season over the [NZ] summer period, Garuda and other carriers fly via Australia." Last year 88,000 Indonesian visitors flew to Australia. "We're setting up a level of engagement to hit those programmes up later in the year and again in the next holiday period." As part of the airport's Ambition 2020 programme it aimed to increase the market to up to 50,000 Indonesian visitors a year who could spend more than $100 million a year. For the year ended September, 12,000 Indonesians visited. New Zealand tourism forecasters had badly underestimated the growth of the Chinese market and the same was likely in Indonesia, the airport said. "We do have this opportunity with Indonesia on our back door step. It's been a sleeping giant," Wedlock said. Indonesian tourists were active visitors in the more lucrative "free independent traveller" market than some other nationalities. There had been a proliferation of domestic and regional carriers which now provided strong links from throughout the archipelago to international airports, giving flights to New Zealand a greater pool from among the population of 240 million. It was not clear yet where Garuda would fly from if it does resume services.

[SYDNEY]

New Zealand: Best Hotels to live like Royalty

New Zealand provides the perfect opportunity to escape in style,
whether you’re looking for a boutique beach escape or a breath taking mountain retreat,
there’s something for everyone.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall recently visited New Zealand on their highly anticipated Diamond Jubilee Tour. From the harbour city of Auckland to Wellington, the hub of Hobbit activity, through to Christchurch, they enjoyed true kiwi hospitality and the best that New Zealand has from top-class accommodation to award-winning food and wine. With the excitement of Charles and Camilla’s tour still endemic, Tourism New Zealand has provided a guide of the most luxurious new accommodation so you too can travel like a Royal. New Zealand provides the perfect opportunity to escape in style, whether you’re looking for a boutique beach escape or a breath taking mountain retreat, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy indulgent extras such as spa baths, private patios, king-size beds and log fires so you can relax and unwind after a day enjoying New Zealand’s beautiful scenery and landscapes.

Best New Zealand Hotels to live like Royalty

Atahuri - Boutique Beach Escape Overlooking Kapiti Island

An hour north of Wellington, Atahuri is tucked into the sand dunes at Peka Peka beach, overlooking Kapiti Island. Atahuri features four luxury suites (sleeping two) and offers the perfect base for those looking for a peaceful beach setting. Expect comfy sofas, bay windows with stunning views, private patios facing seaward, and local, original artwork by the lodge’s owner. Enjoy a round of golf at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, experience a cooking class, visit the local vineyard and brewery, and stroll along the endless white beach (46 kms long!) or take a swim in its safe, warm waters. For more information go to www.atahuri.co.nz

Luxury Lodge Tin Tub - Wanaka

Sitting high up on the ridge overlooking Wanaka with breathtaking views over the lake and to the mountains, Tin Tub has a total of five rooms – lodge and luxury villas. The luxury villas each have spa baths, and private outdoor tubs. There’s a tennis court, swimming pool, sauna and gym all on-site. It is the perfect base for skiing, walking, biking, fishing, wine tasting or just relaxing around the lodge with its stunning views. Sleep in the silence of the countryside and wake to a leisurely breakfast before setting out on another day of adventure. For more information go to www.tintubwanaka.co.nz/

The Sounds Retreat - Marlborough Sounds

The Sounds Retreat is a new luxury lodge for two located on the edge of Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough.The lodge ‘suite’ is open plan, with a king-size bed, flat-screen TV, spacious bathroom, as well as a gym and hot tub. Enjoy native forest walks right on the doorstep, dining on the deck under a canopy of stars, decadent cuisine by the in-house chef and perhaps even watch a pod of dolphins from the deck. Biking, fishing and kayaking are all available from the doorstep as well as wine tasting. For more information go to www.thesoundsretreat.co.nz/

Eco B&B Kokohuia Lodge - Hokianga, North Island

Kokohuia Lodge has stunning views of Hokianga Harbour and sand dunes and is perched above the native bush, accommodating just one couple. It is sophisticated and private and has been constructed to be highly sustainable, off-grid, producing solar electricity and solar hot water. The hectare of native bush, maturing orchards and gardens is managed organically. With a king size bed, organic cotton linen and a free standing double bath, the lodge is the perfect romantic retreat. For more information go to www.kokohuialodge.co.nz/

The White House - Black Barn, Hawke's Bay

Waimarama is a superb long stretch of sandy beach south of Cape Kidnappers facing east to the rising sun and the Pacific Ocean. While it usually experiences large rolling surf, it is excellent for swimming, surfing, fishing and walking. Here is located the new home rental, The White House, positioned to maximise privacy, shelter, views and sun. The house has six bedrooms and four bathrooms with a state of the art kitchen. Prepared meals can be pre-ordered and any activity can be arranged including private fishing guides to some of New Zealand’s best trout fishing rivers. For more information go to http://www.blackbarn.com/retreatdeta...he-white-house

Westhaven Luxury Lodge - West Coast

Enjoy the peaceful beauty of New Zealand's nature at Westhaven Luxury Lodge. The small exclusive lodge offers luxury accommodation in a relaxed and intimate setting surrounded by the beautiful, rugged coastal wilderness of New Zealand's West Coast. Engulfed by miles of pristine wilderness, here you will find time to ponder, unwind and recharge. This Middle-earth setting provides an escape from the bustle of daily life with an atmosphere of tranquillity. For more information go to www.westhavenretreat.com

The Oyster Inn - Waiheke Island

Oyster Inn features a large restaurant, private event space, beach shop and three beautifully appointed guest rooms with fantastic views. Styled on the timeless Kiwi bach with a fresh modern touch, it’s described as “stylish but unpretentious, reinterpreting beachside chic with warmth and authenticity”. Guest rooms have been designed for comfort with details such as super soft cotton sheets on extra-large king size beds, under-floor heating, stylish bath products in large ensuite bathrooms. Guests will be picked up from the ferry pier in the inn’s vintage Volkswagen Kombi van that is also available for private island and wine tours. For more information go to www.theoysterinn.co.nz/

[SYDNEY]

Matamata ready for Hobbit tourism boom

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30 MAR 12 HOBBITON WAIKATO by Urban+Explorer, on Flickr

The pub featured in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies will become the centre piece of Matamata's Hobbiton Tour. More than 50 tradespeople and landscapers are working around the clock on the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour in Matamata to get the interior of the large Green Dragon Pub completed in time for the world premiere of Sir Peter Jackson's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in Wellington next Wednesday night. Because from Thursday all eyes will turn to the small Waikato town of Matamata as dignitaries including Prime Minister John Key and international media are the first to set foot inside the Green Dragon Pub as part of the movie tour before descending on the town's main street for a party. Details of the pub are being kept under wraps by movie maker Warner Brothers but, like the 44 hobbit holes, it is promised to be as authentic as possible. The pub will be the first building on the set which tourists can enter and those who complete the tour will be treated to either a warm Hobbit-style English beer, cold amber ale, cider and ginger ale from ceramic beer steins. Hobbiton Movie Set Tours general manager Russell Alexander had huge expectations for what the launch of the first of the three Hobbit movies would do for the tour operation. The business is a joint venture between him and Mr Jackson. Mr Alexander said next week's launch would have more international media coverage than last year's Rugby World Cup and was bracing himself for an influx of Tolkien fans during the next three months. From December the number of hosted tours would double to 22 a day and 32 more staff had been hired in anticipation. Matamata Public Relations Association manager Sue Whiting, who also runs the iSite, was convinced the number of visitors coming into the town would surpass the 360,000 who arrived in 2004 at the peak of the Lord of the Rings hype. She said the iSite's $200,000 transformation to a Gatehouse which would be officially opened next Thursday would be an attraction in its own right. "We were a toilet and takeaway stop and now we are a must see destination. For a small town it's phenomenal, I guess it's regarded as a miracle that this happened to our small town." Matamata-Piako mayor Hugh Vercoe said the movie would be a significant boost to the town's economy long term. However Williams Jewellery partner Bret Williams was more sceptical about the high numbers of tourists predicted by the iSite and did not think it would bring in more people than Lord of the Rings did. "I could be completely wrong, I hope so for the sake of the town I am, but I just don't get the feeling it will take off again and there will be a big rush." Redoubt Bar and Eatery owner Jacob Henderson was cautiously optimistic and said local diners still represented about 80 per cent of his business. "We haven't put extra staff on or done any structural changes, we are just ready to go for a busy night." But Absolute Cafe owner Lisa Samuel had already noticed a big boost in her business and began opening on Sundays earlier this month when she realised the town was full and no one was open to serve coffee to the tourists waiting for the buses to take them to Hobbiton.

Number crunching
*
100,000 visitors to Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, up from 11,000 visitors in 2002
*
90 per cent of people doing the tour are overseas tourists
*
$200,000 Matamata's iSite transformation into a Gatehouse
*
$100m Warner Bros have spent promoting the Hobbit movie

[SYDNEY]

Chinese star's wedding boon for tourism

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NZ 1 282 by damn_camera, on Flickr

A popular Chinese actress' Kiwi wedding in Queenstown could turn New Zealand into the number one wedding destination for the Chinese, says an airline official. The South Island wedding of 2010 Golden Eagle best actress Yao Chen to her photographer husband Cao Yu in the South Island town has been reported more than 2.4 million times on various Chinese news sites and portals, and more than 110,000 were also discussing it on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent to Twitter/Facebook. The My Own Swordsman star, who is also Tourism New Zealand's brand ambassador for China, holds the record of having the highest number of followers on Weibo, with more than 26 million. She posted photos of her wedding and activities she had done in and around Queenstown on Weibo, sparking wide interest and comments on New Zealand as a holiday destination. The 33-year-old star is the third most followed micro-blogger in the world after Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber, and is ahead of President Barack Obama. Chinese media reported that Yao Chen spent about 1 million yuan, or about $200,000, on her Queenstown wedding, to which she invited only a few dozen friends and relatives. The first pictures were released on Saturday afternoon through her microblog, and the ceremony at St Peter's Church was described as simple, solemn and warm. "Getting married overseas is becoming increasingly popular among the younger Chinese, and Yao Chen's posts show New Zealand as the perfect scenic place for them to do that," said Sarah Xu, of China Southern Airlines. "Millions in China are talking about her wedding, and I am sure New Zealand could become the number one choice for many Chinese couples who want an overseas wedding." The airline, China's largest, will be bringing between 250 and 300 travel agents to Auckland next month for its annual general meeting, where it will discuss ways to promote the region, including as a wedding destination. Destination Queenstown chief executive Graham Budd said the wedding sparked a media frenzy in China, and had boosted New Zealand's and Queenstown's profile significantly overnight. "We're thrilled they chose to get married in Queenstown and enjoy some unique and memorable experiences here," Mr Budd said. Tourism New Zealand spokeswoman Emma Carter said between 30,000 and 40,000 tourists came to New Zealand to get married or for a honeymoon last year, spending about $130 million. "Their average expenditure is around $3800 each ... which is quite a high spend per person. The average tourist spends $2300," she said.

[SYDNEY]

'Unique' Waitomo Motel Takes Top World Hospitality Award

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Visitor Centre at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves by 4nitsirk, on Flickr

Kiwi ingenuity made the difference when motelier and raconteur Barry Woods took his black singlet and gumboots to Paris this month and came away with a top international accolade for his unique Waitomo motel business. Barry's motel complex, Woodlyn Park near Waitamo Caves, was voted Most Innovative Hotel Concept at the 2012 Worldwide Hospitality Awards in Paris. Woodlyn Park scooped 72 percent of the votes, the greatest margin seen in the history of the awards. The award recognises a new concept, a new service or an initiative done by an hotel group or hotel brand or an independent hotel, a new vision of comfort or a better service performance regarding general settings, space management, technology and services and covers the whole hotel or specific amenities. Reflecting on the award and a win that's swung the world hospitality and tourism spotlight on Waitomo, Waikato and New Zealand Barry says the hours leading up to his departure for Paris for the judging ceremony were not without a drop of tension. "Getting to the awards made mincemeat of our minimal budget but at the last minute we learned that, as a finalist, we were expected to make presentation in support of our entry," he says. "We decided at that late stage to make a video so we put together a great film clip - two amateurs in the back of a tin shed just three days before flying out to France - but I reckon the film of me in my Swani and gumboots did the job, the panel and the audience in Paris loved it. "All we knew at that stage was we were one of the three finalists selected in the Most Innovative category - that was an achievement enough but our video presentation did the rest for us." Barry, AKA the entertainer Billy Black, is no stranger to the stage and the spotlight but the scope of the event in the grandeur of the InterContinental Paris-Le Grand Hotel got the better of him.

"Over the last 15 years I've spent a lot of time on stage entertaining with my show at Waitomo and around New Zealand and nerves don’t really get to me; but when we walked into the Le Grand’s amazing marbled Opera Room, its stained glass dome and massive chandeliers, I actually started to tense up," he says. " When I was eventually called up on stage and then announced as winner I was absolutely speechless. With managers, CEOs and the founding members of huge operations making up the audience and judging the participants throughout the evening, it was a true David and Goliath story as Woodlyn Park not only won the award, but won by the greatest margin ever seen in the history of the awards". He says that not only was this a personal win for him, but a great showcasing opportunity for New Zealand tourism. “I couldn’t get any interest from Tourism NZ so I had to go it alone … one little old Kiwi against major players in the hospitality industry. So to bring home a world award, having knocked out these big guys is a win for all the small unrecognised tourism businesses in New Zealand. "Representatives of the hospitality industry on all levels; managers, CEOs, journalists and the like were blown away by the Woodlyn Park concept saying 'We are definitely coming to New Zealand, we want to see this place,'.” Woodlyn Park has unique accommodation – two accommodation units are in a Bristol Freighter aircraft, there's a unit in a 1918 train, five units in a World War II Patrol Boat and two units are unique Hobbit motels. The complex is close to Waitomo Caves and features Billy Black's Kiwi Culture Show, a live show covering the complete story on New Zealand's country life from native forest to farmland.

[SYDNEY]

Kiwis put Hanmer top

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PICT0414 by Matt_Ryan, on Flickr

The 101 best things about New Zealand have been listed - and there are a few you wouldn't expect. The six-week voting campaign for the Automobile Association Tourism 101 Must-Do's clocked up 283,000 votes, split over 1600 attractions from the Far North to the deep South. There are huge shifts from the previous list in 2006. Some attractions clearly rallied supporters to vote. The Waterworks in Coromandel promised a free-entry day if the theme park made the list. Owner Jeff Howarth said the staff would be excited about making the number 20 position. "Being on the list is amazing news," he said. Howarth and his staff campaigned hard. He leaflet-dropped Cuba Mall during a trip to Wellington and another worker pamphleted Queen St in Auckland. One surprise entry, perhaps, is the little-known Wairere Boulders in Northland, which ranked number 16. Co-owner Felix Schaad (picture) said the attraction was gaining a reputation and he was delighted Facebook fans had backed the spectacular basalt rock formations. Overall, voters showed a preference for South Island scenic cruises, healing thermal waters and spectacular scenic ranges nationwide. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa in Canterbury was voted number one, followed by Rotorua's Polynesian Spa, Akaroa's Harbour Nature Cruises and Heliview Taranaki. Ranking fifth is The Otago Rail Trail. Womad has taken centre stage at number 17 as the most voted-for event. Two sweet treats made their debut - Pineapple Lumps (60) and pavlova (98). The total number of votes increased by more than 42 per cent from 2006, said AA Tourism spokeswoman Rebecca Cherry.

[SYDNEY]

New TranzAlpine carriages launched

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Southern Alps-Key Summit-Routeburn Track-New Zealand by mikemellinger, on Flickr

New carriages allowing for the ultimate passenger viewing experience will get their first run on the TranzAlpine service this morning. The carriages feature 52 sq m of glass giving panoramic views around the side and through the roof, as well as HD screens and GPS triggered commentary. KiwiRail General Manager of Passenger Services Deborah Hume says the new carriages will provide an even greater experience for the passengers. "It's outrageous how much glass there is," she said. "All completely safe, engineering tested, but it's more glass than you can imagine actually." The new carriages mark 25 years since the service between Christchurch and Greymouth began.

[SYDNEY]

100% Middle-earth at the official opening of Hobbiton

International media in town for the premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, were given a final taste of 100% Middle-earth, 100% Pure New Zealand today (29 November) before departing the country. Tourism New Zealand and its NZ Inc partners today concluded a highly successful week of media hosting with an event at Hobbiton Movie Set and Tours, and the official opening of the Green Dragon Inn by Prime Minister John Key. More than 100 international media who attended the Wellington World Premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, were farewelled from New Zealand at the place where all the movie’s adventures began – Hobbiton. The event also marked the end of months of work to build and prepare the Green Dragon Inn, now open to Hobbiton visitors who can enjoy a Middle-earth beer at the end of their tours. Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler says hosting the media at Hobbiton Movie Set and Tours was the perfect end to a hugely successful week of media activity. “Hobbiton is the ultimate example of Tourism New Zealand’s 100% Middle-earth, 100% Pure New Zealand campaign. “Anyone who thinks that Hobbiton is a fantasy land that exists only on the screen will see that it is actually a real place – not only here in Matamata, New Zealand at Hobbiton, but also throughout the country where visitors can experience for themselves a range of unique activities within those landscapes.” General Manager of Hobbiton Movie Set and Tours Russell Alexander says he anticipated the official opening will mark the start of a new chapter for the operation with hosted tours doubling to 22 a day throughout December. “Having the excitement of Premiere week ending with the official opening of Hobbiton will set the scene for fans eager to experience a slice of Middle-earth for themselves – and ensure Hobbiton is in the spot-light for all visitors through Matamata.” Media at Hobbiton were treated to a true taste of New Zealand with food from top chef Martin Bosley and trophy award winning New Zealand wines from the 2012 Air New Zealand Wine Awards. A number of international media will stay on in the country for a further tourism experience, hosted by Tourism New Zealand. Kevin says: “We know that the stories this media group will write and broadcast will be seen and read by hundreds of millions of people, and that New Zealand is likely to feature heavily in many of them.” Partners in the event included Tourism New Zealand, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, Film New Zealand, New Zealand Film Commission, Air New Zealand and Wine Growers New Zealand.

[SYDNEY]

Eco-tourism experience takes Waiheke Island to new heights

Auckland Mayor Len Brown became one of the first to enjoy a high flying environmental experience at Waiheke Island’s new EcoZip Adventures today. The activity – the only one of its kind in Auckland – combines spectacular vistas with adventure and education. Visitors ride on three 200 metre ziplines over a vineyard and mature tree canopy and finish with a guided walk through 300-year-old pristine native bush. The Mayor flew down the first zipline and was impressed with the experience, saying it exemplifies what is so special about Auckland as a destination. “It’s an absolute blast! It makes the most of our amazing natural setting, with the bush, harbour and city in the distance. The zipline really shows off everything Auckland has to offer,” he says. Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) Acting General Manager Destination, Jason Hill, says the new eco-tourism venture is a welcome addition to the popular visitor destination of Waiheke Island, which is renowned for its excellent vineyards. “It’s great to see this unique activity launch on Waiheke to complement the island’s outstanding food and wine offering. EcoZip’s combination of fun, adventure and nature is something that will resonate with many visitors from our key markets of Australia, China, North America and the United Kingdom,” he says. “We are working to encourage both domestic and international visitors to stay longer in the Auckland region and new tourism activities help add to our destination’s appeal.” Since opening in November, EcoZip Adventures has attracted people of all ages from around New Zealand and offshore. EcoZip Adventures Managing Director Gavin Oliver says the experience is more an environmental adventure than a thrill seekers’ ride. “There are countless exhilarating adventure activities around New Zealand. What EcoZip has created is a chance for people to experience and learn about our native bush – to literally see it from new angles,” he says. Waiheke Island is located 35 minutes by ferry from downtown Auckland. Known as the ‘island of wine’ for its 30 boutique vineyards, Waiheke also attracts visitors for its olive groves, sandy beaches and thriving arts scene. ATEED works to help drive Auckland’s visitor economy and contribute to making Auckland the world’s most liveable city. www.ecozipadventures.co.nz

[SYDNEY]

X marks the spot on passport for transgender travellers

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Lake Tekapo, South Island, New Zealand by Karl Hipolito, on Flickr

New Zealand's tiny transgender community is celebrating a quiet change that allows people to change their gender on their passports by a simple declaration. The change, which came into force on Friday without any public announcement, allows people to state their gender as male, female or "X" (indeterminate/unspecified), without the need to change their birth certificates or citizenship records. "It's amazing," said Joey Macdonald, an Auckland mental health worker who changed the gender on his passport from female to "X" and who chairs the transgender support group GenderBridge. "It means that on this particular provision, New Zealand is leading the way and is one of the leading countries in terms of reducing barriers to having a national identity document for transpeople." A Human Rights Commission report recommended in 2008 that people should have the right to change their gender on their passports and other documents. The law was changed in 2009 to allow changes from male to female or vice versa by a declaration from the Family Court, and a change from either gender to "X" by a statutory declaration. A Family Court declaration is still required for a male/female gender change on citizenship documents, but this policy is under review. A Passport Office spokesman said gender changes on passports could now be made purely by a statutory declaration stating a person's preferred sex or gender identity and how long they have had that identity. The passport application form still asks people to tick either male or female and gives no indication of any other option, but the spokesman said the "X" option was known to the transgender community. The commission report said about 400 people recorded their gender as "X". Mr Macdonald, 28, changed his passport to "X" two months ago and has just been to Melbourne and back without raising any eyebrows. He said he grew up happily as a girl at Bethells Beach without the need to question his identity.

[SYDNEY]

KiwiRail Adds Northern Explorer Stop for Waitomo

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Northern Explorer by craigsydnz, on Flickr

KiwiRail is reinstating the Otorohanga stop on its Northern Explorer train service between Auckland and Wellington for the tourism destination of Waitomo Caves. The Otorohanga (Waitomo) stop is being reintroduced on a “booked stop” basis for one or more passengers from Monday 10 December. “KiwiRail is working closely with Destination Waitomo and Hamilton and Waikato Tourism to develop tourism packages so that passengers can book to get off at Otorohanga and explore the tourism attractions on offer in the Waitomo and Waikato region,” says KiwiRail’s General Manager of Passenger Services, Deborah Hume. The Waitomo Scenic Escapes packages will include train fares, accommodation and attractions in one online transaction, and will be introduced in the New Year. “Waitomo alone has in excess of 350,000 annual visitors, with around 5,000 a day in peak season; and the region also supports a number of high end tourist activities," Ms Hume says. When the Overlander was in service, the passenger demand for Otorohanga had been in decline for some years, with two people a day on average getting on or off the train at this stop. The new Northern Explorer schedule does not offer a return train departing Otorohanga on the same day, so there were some constraints that needed to be worked through before reinstating a stop at Otorohanga, says Ms Hume. “That’s why we’ve reintroduced it on a booked stop basis. The stop will be made to pick up and drop off booked passengers. If there are no bookings, the train won’t stop. “The new Northern Explorer service, which was launched in June this year, is geared towards both international and domestic tourists. We have always maintained that we are open to opportunities to increase tourism to various districts along the Northern Explorer train route. "We certainly see Waitomo and the Waikato region as a great tourist destination and we are keen to work with Hamilton and Waikato Tourism, as well as other tourist organisations in the North Island, to help grow tourist numbers in the smaller regions. We are looking forward to launching our Scenic Escapes packages for the Otorohanga (Waitomo) stop and tapping into the potential for increasing tourism to the Waikato region,” Ms Hume says.

[SYDNEY]

Awards honour South Island's best wine tourism ventures

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CRAGGY RANGE VINEYARD by Urban+Explorer, on Flickr

Yealands Estate has won a top international wine tourism award for the third year in a row. Councillor Sue Wells will present Yealands Estate with its Best of Wine Tourism award for sustainable wine tourism practices at tomorrow's New World Food and Wine Festival in Hagley Park. "It's great to see Christchurch and South Island wineries getting global recognition and promoting the region as a result," says Sue Wells. The awards are run by Great Wine Capitals, a network of nine cities in the northern and southern hemispheres that share a key economic and cultural asset -- their internationally renowned wine regions. Christchurch | South Island, which includes the Waipara Valley, Canterbury, Marlborough, Nelson and Central Otago wine regions, belongs to the exclusive network. Yealands Estate founder, Peter Yealands, says the international recognition reflects the passion the Yealands team has for sharing their sustainability story. "We are passionate about our sustainability practices and enjoy the opportunity to share what makes us different with the visitors who come to our winery. At our cellar door we aim to create a unique experience, which showcases our dedication to making quality wine in an innovative way," says Peter Yealands. The panel of judges commended Yealands Estate for leading from the front and demonstrating their commitment to sustainability, rather than just talking about it. The South Island's regional Best of Wine Tourism Award winners include Melton Estate, in West Melton near Christchurch, who won the wine tourism restaurant category ... MORE

[SYDNEY]

Guest nights up in October

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HAWKE'S BAY 27 NOV 2010 by Urban+Explorer, on Flickr

New Zealand guest nights (after removing seasonal variation) rose 4.1 percent in October 2012 compared with September 2012, Statistics New Zealand said today. This follows a fall of 1.4 percent in September. “Guest nights were up in both the North and South islands,” industry and labour statistics manager Blair Cardno said. “The change was mostly caused by more guest nights in the Auckland and Otago regions.” Monthly movements for October 2012 (after removing seasonal variation) were:
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New Zealand guest nights rose 4.1 percent, following a fall of 1.4 percent in September.
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International guest nights rose 10.3 percent, and domestic guest nights rose 2.6 percent.
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North Island guest nights rose 3.4 percent, and South Island guest nights rose 4.3 percent.
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Guest nights for all accommodation types rose.

The national trend for guest nights appears to be flat in recent months. The trend for South Island guest nights appears to be slowly rising, while the North Island guest nights trend remains below its highest-ever peak in August 2011. Trend movements can change when future months are added to the time series. The Accommodation Survey records guests staying in hotels, motels, backpacker accommodation, and holiday parks in New Zealand each month.