NZ | Travel + Tourism

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Lonely Planet has New Zealand covered


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by Compot

“You probably know all about the scenic side of New Zealand – the NZ of tourist ads, Lord of the Rings and nature documentaries. You may also know about its reputation as an action-adventure destination. This is, after all, a nation that is so dedicated to doing odd things with bits of rubber and plastic that it invented bungy jumping, black-water rafting and zorbing. Some of you may even know about NZ’s anti-nuclear stand, its passion for rugby, its fondness for sheep. Maybe you’ve tucked into some NZ lamb, spread NZ butter on your toast or downed a particularly zingy bottle of Marlborough sauvignon blanc.”

Lonely Planet is releasing four New Zealand titles in the coming months, starting with the Country Guide New Zealand in September, followed by two Regional Guides New Zealand’s North Island and New Zealand’s South Island in October and Discover New Zealand in November.

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

July visitor arrivals reach record levels


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By Wandering World

The numbers of overseas visitors coming to New Zealand in July was up four per cent on last year bringing visitor arrivals to record levels, according to Statistics New Zealand figures released today. A total of 182,900 people visited New Zealand in July, the highest number of visitors ever recorded for the month, Statistics New Zealand said today. The increase in visitor numbers was driven by a large increase in visitors from China, with 3900 more entering the country compared with last July. Visitors from Japan and Australia also increased, with 2800 more Japanese and 1600 more Australians visiting compared to last July

In the year to July there was a total 2.508 million visitors with those from Australia accounting for 45 per cent or 1.121 million of those. Population Statistics manager Bridget Hamilton-Seymour said the numbers of visitor arrivals coming from Asia was recovering from the impact of the swine flu epidemic. "Although visitor numbers from Japan and Korea have only partially recovered after the H1N1 pandemic affected travel from those countries in July 2009, visitor arrivals from China have now exceeded levels before the pandemic," Hamilton-Seymour said.

The numbers of New Zealanders heading overseas also increased in July largely due to increased numbers of people visiting Australia. In July, New Zealand residents departed on 208,000 overseas trips, an increase of five per cent compared to July 2009. An extra 7700 New Zealanders visited Australia in the month. In July permanent long-term arrivals exceeded departures by 1000 on seasonally adjusted basis, Statistics New Zealand said. In the July 2010 year New Zealand had a net migration gain of 15,200 down from a recent peak of 22,600 in the January 2010 year. The main inflows of migrants were from the United Kingdom, India, and China. Considerably fewer New Zealanders were migrating to Australia with an outflow of 16,500 migrants to Australia since July 2009, compared to 26,900 in the previous year.

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Aussies most satisfied with New Zealand


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Mount Cook New Zealand by chobecajero, on Flickr

International visitors are more satisfied with New Zealand than they were three years ago, according to the results of a recently released survey. The Ministry of Tourism's regional visitor monitor found international visitor satisfaction levels increased in the three year period to June 2010, with 40 per cent rating their overall satisfaction as a nine or 10 out of 10. This was up from 39 per cent in 2007. The monitor provides a snapshot of visitors, profiling their motivations and expectations, travel planning, satisfaction levels and expenditure through a survey of tourists spread through six of the largest tourist regions.

However it was the Australian market that made the most gains during the period, with almost half of respondents (49 per cent) saying they were highly satisfied, up from 43 per cent three years ago. Domestic visitors to the regions were less satisfied (37 per cent, up from 35 per cent), probably because people were more inclined to take their own backyard for granted, than if they were from outside New Zealand, the Ministry said. About half of those surveyed across all markets indicated an interest in returning, with the domestic market indicating the most interest, and the international market the least, in line with their proximity to each market.

Ministry of Tourism Research manager Bruce Bassett said overall the picture was solid, but there was scope for improvement ahead of the Rugby World Cup, especially around infrastructure and the regions' natural and cultural assets. "These will undoubtedly be areas of focus as the regions prepare for the Rugby World Cup 2011 and the longer-term profile opportunities this presents." "We want the Rugby World Cup to be a catalyst for future growth," Bassett said.

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Cruises worth over $1m each to city


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Queen Mary 2 in Auckland Harbour 1 by Carmelo Aquilina, on Flickr

Turning a cruise liner around in Auckland could pump about $1.26 million into the local economy, says Royal Caribbean Cruises Australasia managing director Gavin Smith. Royal Caribbean's 1800-passenger superliner the Celebrity Century will have cruises that start or finish in Auckland from October 2011. The employment that came with a full ship turnaround included coaches, taxis, baggage handlers, customs and border control agencies that attended the pier and engagement with the airport and local hotels, Smith said. "We have local fresh produce provedoring requirements, we have fuel needs and we also have stevedoring needs because we'll do a full store in Auckland, in terms of container movements and the more industrial side of the business," he said.

"The general figure that the cruise lines use is around a million dollars into the local economy on a turnaround day," he said. "And then you've got the additional upside of most of the Americans and Europeans and Australians that are getting on and off the ship will be buying one, two or three nights [accommodation] pre- or post cruise." Passengers were more inclined to buy accommodation to experience the city because it was the start or finish point of the cruise, Smith said. The Celebrity Century would be the third vessel the company had in the region, although the other two would not embark and disembark in Auckland.

The company said it would bring 6000 visitors to New Zealand in the 2010/11 season, rising to 36,000 in 2011/12 . Americans and Europeans made up about 70 per cent of guests. Auckland is the cruise capital of New Zealand, Smith said. "Importantly, the port is an industrial working port so there is a continuing interest in Auckland harbour being a working harbour. What's exciting for passengers is it's one of the few ports in the world where you still get a downtown experience because the passenger wharf is adjacent to the downtown area." Cruise New Zealand chairman Craig Harris this month said 113,000 passengers would come to New Zealand this year, with bookings for 134,000 and 180,000 in 2010/11 and 2011/12 respectively.

Royal Caribbean's Gavin Smith said that in the next three to five years congestion would drive the investment to create another purpose-built pier in Auckland. However, any facilities would need to be multi-purpose for the off-season.

Season:

2009/2010 - 113,000 passengers
2010/2011 - 134,000 passengers
2011/2012 - 180,000 passengers

[whizz_pat]

You know what in particular is driving the enormous growth in the cruise industry projected over the next couple of years?

[renardo]

Babyboomers?

[AK-Sam]

War on Terror?

[Linguine]

Originally Posted by Mr_kiwi_fruit

Aussies most satisfied with New Zealand


image hosted on flickr

Mount Cook New Zealand by chobecajero, on Flickr

International visitors are more satisfied with New Zealand than they were three years ago, according to the results of a recently released survey. The Ministry of Tourism's regional visitor monitor found international visitor satisfaction levels increased in the three year period to June 2010, with 40 per cent rating their overall satisfaction as a nine or 10 out of 10. This was up from 39 per cent in 2007. The monitor provides a snapshot of visitors, profiling their motivations and expectations, travel planning, satisfaction levels and expenditure through a survey of tourists spread through six of the largest tourist regions.

However it was the Australian market that made the most gains during the period, with almost half of respondents (49 per cent) saying they were highly satisfied, up from 43 per cent three years ago. Domestic visitors to the regions were less satisfied (37 per cent, up from 35 per cent), probably because people were more inclined to take their own backyard for granted, than if they were from outside New Zealand, the Ministry said. About half of those surveyed across all markets indicated an interest in returning, with the domestic market indicating the most interest, and the international market the least, in line with their proximity to each market.

Ministry of Tourism Research manager Bruce Bassett said overall the picture was solid, but there was scope for improvement ahead of the Rugby World Cup, especially around infrastructure and the regions' natural and cultural assets. "These will undoubtedly be areas of focus as the regions prepare for the Rugby World Cup 2011 and the longer-term profile opportunities this presents." "We want the Rugby World Cup to be a catalyst for future growth," Bassett said.

So beautiful, quiet and serene.....

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Air NZ awarded the favourite long-haul leisure airline award

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Air New Zealand Boeing 747-400 by Eduardo Mariz, on Flickr

Air New Zealand's dream run in recognition continues after picking up another accolade. The national airline has been awarded the favourite long-haul leisure airline, nudging out Virgin Atlantic and Cathay Pacific, in the Conde Nast Readers' Travel Awards 2010. Air NZ was preferred by readers because of its "excellent food/catering" and "child-friendliness". Virgin Atlantic lead the awards for service and staff while Singapore Airlines topped the list for in-flight entertainment.

In the same Conde Nast awards, New Zealand was voted the 5th most popular holiday destination. The award comes a day after business leaders rated Air New Zealand this country's most reputable organisation. A survey conducted by global management consultancy Hay Group in association with NZ Management magazine, put Fonterra in second place, Fletcher Building third, engineering consultancy Beca Group fourth, and Kiwibank fifth.

Air New Zealand also ranked first among companies, while Kiwibank was the top-ranked state owned enterprise, NZ Police led government departments, and the Salvation Army topped non-profit organisations. Other awards picked up by Air NZ this year include Best Airline at the 2010 Which? Awards, two Skytrax Awards for the Best Airline Australia/Pacific and the Staff Service Excellence Award for the Australia/Pacific region, and the Air Transport World Airline of the Year.

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Chinese visitors boost tourism numbers

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New Zealand - Nelson Lakes by marlex_07, on Flickr

Record visitors from China in August drove a 4 per cent increase in total tourist numbers. The number of Chinese tourists visiting New Zealand in August more than doubled over the same month a year ago to 9700, exceeding the previous record of 9000 in August 2007, Statistics New Zealand said. China was the main driver for a 4 per cent increase in total tourists in August to 168,100, while visitors from Japan also increased strongly over August 2009, when the country was affected by the swine flu pandemic.

Gains from Asia were offset by falls in some other key markets, with visitors from the United Kingdom dropping to 8800, the lowest number in the month of August since 1999. Statistics New Zealand also said that the number of long term and permanent arrivals exceeded long term and permanent departures by 800 last month

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Auckland Airport passenger numbers gain in August

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Whangarei Heads - Whangarei - New Zealand 023 by Julien (Quelques-notes.com), on Flickr

Auckland International Airport Ltd., the country’s main gateway, reported more overseas visitors last month, as business trips bounce back from a lull in the wake of the global financial crisis. Total international passengers rose 4.5% to 603,995 in August from the same month a year earlier, with business and conference visitors making up 43,706 of those people, up 18% from a year ago. That comes after national carrier Air New Zealand Ltd. said it flew more passengers in August, while government data showed an inflow of short-term arrivals by Chinese visitors.

Chinese passengers landing at Auckland Airport almost doubled to 9,305 in August, though the airport said the Swine flu pandemic had weighed on Asian visitors in 2009. The number of domestic travellers rose 2.8% to 496,431 last month, with most of the growth coming from Air NZ and Pacific Blue. Last month, Pacific Blue said it’s quitting New Zealand domestic routes to focus on medium-haul international routes. The number of Australians arriving at Auckland airport fell 4.6% to 41.095 in August, and has dropped 3.5% in the financial year to date.

[Snorky33]

Just wanted to say thankyou to that spineless Australian film union the MEAA for setting in motion the destruction of the NZ film industry...worldwide blockbusters like LOTR and King Kong will never be seen again in this country...remember that amazing day back in 2004 when LOTR ROTK won 11 Academy Awards and New Zealand was on top of the world, well that is now lost to history. Amazing it's been one disaster after the other first that major finance company, then the earthquake, followed by that big snow storm and now this. Natually Sir Peter Jackson & Sir Richard Taylor would be desperate for The Hobbit to be made here, they know all the countless benefits LOTR brought to NZ 10 years ago and what it set in motion...among others the huge national pride...and do you think Warner Bros & MGM care sorry they could care less, you & I know it all comes down to the mighty dollar. Sorry to bang on but i can't believe this is happening...surely that foolish union must relies that they are doing more harm than good, i just pray that this mess can be sorted before it's too late and so the NZ film industry is...GONE WITH THE WIND.

[Easty]

Originally Posted by Snorky33

Just wanted to say thankyou to that spineless Australian film union the MEAA for setting in motion the destruction of the NZ film industry...worldwide blockbusters like LOTR and King Kong will never be seen again in this country...remember that amazing day back in 2004 when LOTR ROTK won 11 Academy Awards and New Zealand was on top of the world, well that is now lost to history. Amazing it's been one disaster after the other first that major finance company, then the earthquake, followed by that big snow storm and now this. Natually Sir Peter Jackson & Sir Richard Taylor would be desperate for The Hobbit to be made here, they know all the countless benefits LOTR brought to NZ 10 years ago and what it set in motion...among others the huge national pride...and do you think Warner Bros & MGM care sorry they could care less, you & I know it all comes down to the mighty dollar. Sorry to bang on but i can't believe this is happening...surely that foolish union must relies that they are doing more harm than good, i just pray that this mess can be sorted before it's too late and so the NZ film industry is...GONE WITH THE WIND.

I think its been sorted now?

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Foreign visitors boost hotel nights in August

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

New Zealand's hotels reported a 7 per cent increase in overnight guest stays in August, propped up by more overseas visitors amid a slide in domestic guest nights. International guest nights rose 2 per cent in August compared to the same month in 2009, but were down 5.5 per cent month on month, according to Statistics New Zealand's monthly accommodation survey. Domestic guest nights fell 1 per cent over the same period, which resulted in flat overall growth with total guest nights in August down less than 0.1 per cent a year earlier.

"Following a period of increases from January 2009, the trend in total guest nights has been decreasing since September 2009," said the department. "The trend level is now 1 per cent lower than in September 2009 and 2 per cent lower than the series peak in December 2007." Nine of New Zealand's 12 regions recorded decreases in guest stays, led by the Taranaki/Manawatu-Wanganui region with a decline of 12 per cent or 17,000 nights, followed by Waikato with a decline of 9 per cent or 13,000, and Wellington down 7 per cent or 13,000.

Auckland visitor nights rose by 11,000, or 11 per cent, after a sharp fall in August 2009. The gains take city's guest nights back above those in the same month in 2008. Bay of Plenty guest nights rose 10,000, or 6 per cent, and Otago rose 8,000, or 2 per cent, largely driven by international visitors. Hotels were the only category to record any growth in the month, and also had the largest share of total guest nights at 42 per cent. That's the highest share of total guest nights for the category since the survey began in 1996. Holiday parks fell by 6.3 per cent, or 14,000 guest nights, motels and motor inns fell by 5 per cent, or 36,000, and backpackers and hostels fell by 2.8 per cent, or 8,000.

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Russell hotel wins world's best coastal hideaway

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EAGLE'S NEST, BAY OF ISLANDS by Urban+Explorer, on Flickr

A New Zealand retreat billed as "somewhere between seven stars and heaven" has been named the world's top luxury coastal hotel. Eagles Nest, which is set within a 30ha estate on the Tapeka tip of Russell in the Bay of Islands, scooped the title at the World Luxury Hotel Awards in Thailand. The awards are considered the pinnacle of achievement for luxury hotels worldwide. Owners Daniel and Sandra Biskind said the recognition reinforced the New Zealand luxury sector as being among the best in the world. "We feel profoundly honoured by this global award - especially considering that Eagles Nest is a relatively young and uniquely different property. "It confirms the passionate response of our discerning clientele to this new and unique product niche, combining luxurious self-contained villas on a private estate with complete services on tap."

Hollywood watchers might be interested to know Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart spent time there early this year. Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher reportedly stayed last year, and the 75ha estate was the setting for part of season 13 of US reality TV show The Bachelor. Ms Biskind travelled to Thailand to receive the award, describing it as "one of the most exciting nights in my career". "It was truly a humbling experience. I felt so proud of everyone who has contributed and those who are working in the creation of our dream that is Eagles Nest," she said. Prices for one of five luxury Eagles Nest villas range from $2346 a night to $20,439 a night during peak season.

For that, you'll receive a bottle of champagne, a fruit platter, a minibar, and a gourmet breakfast. A high-speed internet connection is also thrown in. You can also employ the services of a personal chef, personal trainer, massage therapist or chauffeur if you're willing to shell out a little extra. World Luxury Hotel Awards executive manager Marinique Truter said it was one of the highest accolades a hotel could receive, and one that says "more about the property than any brochure, picture or personal testimonial could express".

[Indictable]

keen

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Millbrook voted the best golf course in Australasia

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Picture 348 by Mr Travis & Mrs Jessica, on Flickr

Its official, Millbrook has been confirmed as the leading Golf Resort in Australasia, recently taking out the title at the prestigious World Travel Awards. The award places Millbrook among the elite golf resorts of the world and is a “tremendous” boost to the team behind the resort's recent multi-million dollar investment in the facilities, according to General Manager David Onions. “The timing's perfect with our new 27-hole course completed with the opening of the final four new holes this Labour Weekend,” said Mr Onions. Paying tribute to his entire team, Mr Onions said the major revisions to the course had taken golf at Millbrook to another level. “When considered alongside the extensive refurbishments of our accommodations and new property releases, it's easy to see why the 183,000 travel agents that voted on these awards were so impressed,” he said.

“Millbrook golf course offers some of the very best golfing in New Zealand. It’s set in a beautiful location, with some exceptional holes and outstanding facilities.” Course designer Greg Turner of Turner Macpherson Golf Design was equally pleased. “We’re lucky enough to be involved in design projects in some extraordinary places around the world, but none have been more spectacular than Millbrook. It's great to know that our golf facilities are seen to be in-keeping with that splendour.” Millbrook joins a prestigious list of winners such as Air New Zealand, Palazzo Versace Gold Coast and Tourism New Zealand in the Australasian awards, all of whom now progress to the World Final in London on November 7. Earlier this year New Zealand Prime Minister John Key officially opened the course and described it as “beautiful” and “a great addition to this high quality resort.” “It has been tremendous to have the opportunity to play it,” he said. Golfers have the option to play three separate ‘nines’ - The Remarkables Nine, Coronet Nine and Arrow Nine or a differing combination of the three, where any two out of the three 'nines' can be played together.

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Tourists spending more in NZ

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Untitled by Rosino, on Flickr

Spending by international tourists rose by 1.6 percent in the year ended March 2010 as more Australians visited New Zealand. The rise was a turnaround as spending had decreased 0.7 percent in the year ended March 2009. "The significant rise in visitor numbers from the Oceania region, predominantly Australia, has been the catalyst for a return to growth in international expenditure," national accounts manager Rachael Milicich said. The Tourism Industry Association New Zealand said tourism earned more foreign exchange than any other export sector in the year ended March 2010. The figures highlighted the importance of Australia, New Zealand's number one tourism market, in supporting the tourism industry through the downturn.

For the year ended March 2010, Australian visitor arrivals were up 14.5 percent, boosting total visitor expenditure. Domestic tourism expenditure was $12.9 billion, an increase of 2.5 percent from the previous year, while international tourism contributed $9.5 billion to New Zealand's total exports of goods and services. Tourism generated a direct contribution to gross domestic product of $6.5b, or 3.8 percent of GDP. Tourists generated $1.7b in goods and services tax revenue.

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

Air NZ passenger numbers on the rise

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Untitled by Rosino, on Flickr

Air New Zealand carried 7.4 percent more passengers during the month of September than last year as short haul passenger numbers rose 8.2 percent. The load factor in the domestic market rose by 5.9 percentage points to 82.7 percent on a capacity increase of 0.8 percent. The load factor on Tasman and Pacific routes increased five percentage points to 85.2 percent even as after capacity was increased by 2.8 percent. Long haul passenger numbers rose 1.9 percent with the load factor rising by three percentage points to 89.7 percent on North America to United Kingdom routes. Overall, revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) rose 5.5 percent and capacity rose by 0.7 percent. The group load factor increased by 3.9 percentage points.

[Mr_kiwi_fruit]

The Hobbit will be filmed in New Zealand

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Welcome to Hobbiton - Matamata, New Zealand Sign by Si1very, on Flickr

The Hobbit will be made in New Zealand, Prime Minister John Key has announced. He said at a press conference this evening that legislation would be introduced to Parliament tomorrow to support this. It will apply only to the film industry. Mr Key also announced The Hobbit will get a $15 million tax rebate - $7.5m per film - and said he would be surprised if the films were the last to be made by Warners in New Zealand. The future of the $670 million production hung in the balance after an actors union issued a no-work order on the films last month. Talks were held overnight with studio executives from Warner Brothers to resolve concerns about industrial laws in New Zealand. But the studio was also holding out for a bigger tax subsidy from the Government. The film's executive producer Sir Peter Jackson would "be a very happy camper" Mr Key said at the announcement. The movie will premiere in New Zealand and the Government would plan a major campaign promoting the country to coincide with its launch, Mr Key said. "It's good to have the uncertainty over, and to have everyone now full steam ahead on this project." He said he thought the Government had got the package right. A memorandum of understanding with Warner Brothers was signed at around 7pm tonight. It was "unacceptable" to the New Zealand public to have the film go offshore, he said. He believed the new legislation would not take rights off workers. Without those changes to the law it was a no go, Mr Key said. "I am delighted we have achieved this result," Mr key said. It will safeguard work for thousands and "put New Zealand on the world stage". National already have the backing of the ACT party and United Future for the legislation and are talking to the Maori party. They will also discuss the changes with Labour, he said. Mr Key was returning to his office to call Sir Peter Jackson. He had not spoken to him since yesterday morning.