What's New in New Zealand
Once is never enough! Even if your clients have visited New Zealand before, there are always new activities, and accommodation and transport options, for them to sample.
The following is a selection of new and improved attractions, activities and operators to help you plan itineraries that incorporate the very best of what New Zealand has to offer.
From the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island, we’ve got the latest in New Zealand covered!
The Perfect Day (Northland) – Dive! Tutukaka has launched a new product introducing visitors to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve aboard an air-conditioned 23-metre vessel. Find out more at www.diving.co.nz
Avalon Resort (Northland) – new resort in Kerikeri containing four self-contained one-bedroom cottages in a landscaped riverside property. Find out more at www.avalonresort.co.nz
Ko Tane – The Maori Experience (Christchurch) – visitors can now paddle a traditional waka down the Avon River in central Christchurch. Find out more at www.kotane.co.nz
The Waterfront Paihia (Northland) – new all-suite luxury hotel now open in Paihia containing 30 luxury suites with ocean views. Find out more at www.tourismflair.com
Island Escape Cruises (Auckland) – explore the islands of the Hauraki Gulf on a six-day luxury island cruise. Find out more at www.islandescape.co.nz
Bush and Beach Untamed Island Tour (Auckland) – full-day tour of Great Barrier Island with transfers from Auckland by light plane. Find out more at www.bushandbeach.co.nz
Tamaki Hikoi (Auckland) – one-hour interactive guided walk around Maungawhau (Mt Eden) with a member of a local Maori tribe. Find out more at www.aucklandnz.com
Kelly’s Tarlton’s Shark Survival and Snorkel Safari (Auckland) – two new interactive experiences with marine wildlife. Find out more at www.kellytarltons.co.nz
Epic Adventures (The Coromandel) – guided fishing adventures in pursuit of New Zealand’s renowned Yellowtail Kingfish. Find out more at www.epicadventures.co.nz
Adventures Descents (The Coromandel) – guided mountain bike tours on the Coromandel Peninsula. Find out more at www.adventuredescents.co.nz
Peppers on the Point (Rotorua) – couples can now celebrate their special day in an intimate chapel at this luxury lodge. Find out more at www.peppers.co.nz/On-The-Point
The Shweeb (Rotorua) – new ride opening 2007 at Agroventures; the world’s first human-powered monorail racetrack. Find out more at www.agrodome.co.nz.
The Mud Hut (Rotorua) – new Maori-style boutique accommodation that draws on the cultural and geothermal aspects of Rotorua. Find out more at www.explore.maori.nz
Wiseway Canoe Adventures (Waikato) – self-guided tours of the Waikato River in a Canadian-style canoe. Find out more at www.wisewaycanoeadventures.co.nz
Tamaki Heritage Village (Christchurch) – visitors will experience a re-created Maori Pa (village) and dine on traditional kai (food). Find out more at www.maoriculture.co.nz
Absolute Adventure “The Journey” (Waitomo) – 24 hours of tramping, camping and discovery! Find out more at www.absoluteadventure.co.nz
The Junk (Taupo) – cruise the lake on an authentic Chinese Junk, ideal for conferences and themed parties. Find out more at www.floatingevents.co.nz
Huka Falls Jet (Taupo) – jet boat operator now offering new and improved boats. Find out more at www.hukafallsjet.com
Ora – Garden of Wellbeing (Taupo) – the award-winning garden from the Chelsea Flower Show recreated as a permanent exhibit. Find out more at www.taupomuseum.co.nz
Platinum Lodge (Taranaki) – luxury accommodation next to the mountain. Find out more at www.platinumlodge.co.nz
One Burgess Hill (Taranaki) – luxurious weekend retreat or stylish corporate accommodation in New Plymouth. Find out more at www.oneburgesshill.co.nz
Blue Heaven Villas Bed and Breakfast (Taranaki) – guests enjoy exclusive use of this boutique B&B villa. Find out more at www.blueheaven.co.nz
Boyd’s Auto Barn (Wanganui) – wide selection of 1920s to 1980s vehicles and other motoring memorabilia. Find out more at www.boydsautobarn.co.nz
Black Sand Studio (Wanganui) – working artist studio and gallery. Find out more at www.blacksandstudio.co.nz
Ka Pai Tours (Wanganui) – unique historical journey with Maori hosts on the Whanganui River. Find out more at www.kapaitours.co.nz
Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre (Marlborough) – history comes to life at this unique presentation of aircraft. Find out more at www.omaka.org.nz
Beachcomber Fun Cruises (Marlborough) – new and improved tours and kayaking options. See www.beachcombercruises.co.nz
Sounds Connection Art Tour (Marlborough) – new luxury day tours for culturally minded travellers. Find out more at www.soundsconnection.co.nz
Abel Tasman Cruises (Nelson) – direct launch cruise from Nelson city to Awaroa, in the heart of the Abel Tasman National Park. Find out more at www.abeltasmancruises.co.nz
Maori Uncut (Nelson) – a kayaking and bushwalk experience focusing on Maori culture. Find out more at www.maoriuncut.co.nz
Abel Tasman Seal Swim (Nelson) – swim with the Tonga Island Seal Colony in Abel Tasman National Park. Find out more at www.sealswim.com
Hukawai Glacier Centre (West Coast) – all-weather Glacier Centre and the only indoor ice-climbing wall in the Southern Hemisphere. Find out more at www.hukawai.co.nz
Ultimate Challenge Centre (Alpine Pacific) – recreational facility with a purpose-built obstacle course. Find out more at www.ultimatechallengecentre.co.nz
Waipara Valley Farmers Market (Alpine Pacific) – market held each Saturday morning at Pegasus Bay Winery. Find out more at www.waiparawine.co.nz
Benbrae Resort (Cardrona) – a brand new resort located located close to top ski resorts. Find out more at www.benbrae.co.nz
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa (Alpine Pacific) – new spa opening soon to deliver a truly international spa experience. Find out more at www.hanmersprings.co.nz
The New Zealand Penguin Encounter (Christchurch) – Visitors can now experience Little Blue Penguins at the International Antarctic Centre. Find out more at www.iceberg.co.nz
Ghost Walk (Christchurch & Canterbury) – humorous and slightly scary night-time tour into Christchurch’s Gothic Arts Centre. Find out more at www.courttheatre.org.nz
Alpine Springs & Spa and Winterpark (Mackenzie) – year-round hot pool relaxation and an outdoor artificial ice rink in winter. Find out more at www.aswp.co.nz
Taonga MataOra (Wellington) – Te Papa now offers guests dinner and performances by Maori and Pacific Island communities. Find out more at www.taongamataora.com
Mackenzie Alpine Horse Trekking (Mackenzie) – horse riding in mountain terrain, from one-hour rides to overnight treks. Find out more at www.maht.co.nz
NZ Skydive – Mount Cook (Mackenzie) – tandem jumps operated by a company already established in three other locations. Find out more at www.nzskydive.co.nz
Stewart Island Experience (Southland) – fly by helicopter to Stewart Island. Find out more at www.stewartislandexperience.co.nz
Segway on Queenstown (Queenstown) – tour Queenstown Bay on a Segway PT, a safe, exciting, easy way to travel. Find out more at www.segwayonqueenstown.com
Flight Experience (Queenstown) – fly a jet airline simulator based on the Boeing 737-800. Find out more at www.flightexperience.co.nz
Queenstown Wine Trail “The Winemaker Experience” (Queenstown) – new tour option featuring a renowned local winemaker. Find out more at www.queenstownwinetrail.co.nz
Sail Queenstown ‘Twilight Sailings’ (Queenstown) – the ultimate summer evening experience aboard an elite trophy boat. Find out more at www.sailqueenstown.co.nz
Wilderness Safaris (Fiordland) – half and full-day personalised four-wheel-drive wilderness tours. Find out more at www.wildernesssafaris.co.nz
Watercycles NZ (Fiordland) – unique mode of transport for touring or fishing. Find out more at www.seacycle.co.nz