The tourism industry in Aotearoa New Zealand has been actively enhancing its offerings to ensure that your clients enjoy high-quality experiences. Here's a brief overview of the latest developments across the motu (country).

Nationwide

• The following three luxury lodges have been rebranded by Rosewood Hotel Group(opens in new window):
  A global collection of one-of-a-kind luxury hotels, resorts and residences, that each reflect the local culture and spirit of a destination.
  
  
  • Hawke’s Bay: The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is now Rosewood Cape Kidnappers(opens in new window)
  • Northland: The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs is now Rosewood Kauri Cliffs(opens in new window)
  • Queenstown: Matakauri Lodge is now Rosewood Matakauri(opens in new window)

Te Tai Tokerau Northland

• Living Hundertwasser – Experience Nature Art & Creation - opening soon!
  Hundertwasser's Northland home, Karinui, underwent extensive restoration, providing a fresh visitor experience mirroring his life. Explore his harmonious living with nature, featuring a new gallery and Eyeslit house on-site. This boutique three to four hour experience accommodates 10-15 guests, immersing them in Hundertwasser's world. More info(opens in new window)
  
  
• Silver Wave Yacht Charters – Qualmark Silver
  For clients seeking luxury travel experiences, this well-appointed yacht offers four spacious staterooms with private ensuites, a fully equipped kitchen, lounge, and two dining areas with ocean views. Tailored charters can include adventure, romance, fine dining, and sightseeing, with a choice of over a hundred island destinations. More info(opens in new window)

Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Auckland experienced a peak in hotel occupancy, reaching 90% on several days in 2023— a milestone first since Covid. Additionally, there is a notable influx of new hotels recently opened and others set to launch this year.

New Hotels

• Te Arikinui Pullman Airport Hotel – Open
  Five star | 311 guest rooms | The only premium five-star airport hotel.
  The hotel, which is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand, draws on the connection between land, sea, and sky. More info(opens in new window)
  
  
• InterContinental Auckland City – Reservations from 30th January 2024
  Five star | 139 guest rooms | 1 Queen Street location with waterfront views.
  More info(opens in new window)
  
  
• Abstract Hotel Auckland City - Open
  273 rooms and apartments | Upper Queen Street location.
  More info(opens in new window)
  
  
• Horizon SkyCity – Opening 1st March - Reservations open for stays from 1st March 2024
  Five star | 302 guest rooms | Connected via airbridge to NZICC (Convention Centre).
  More info(opens in new window)
  
  
• Hotel Indigo - Opening mid 2024
  225 guest rooms | IHG group | Wyndam Street location. Set to be one of Auckland’s tallest buildings. More info(opens in new window)
  
  
• Soho Hotel – Opening March 2024 - Reservations open for stays from 1st March 2024
  126 rooms guest rooms | Mt Roskill Location.
  Will feature a premium day spa. More info(opens in new window)

New Experiences

• Te Arai Links Golf Resort
  Te Arai Links is Auckland's largest world class golf destination and country club, just a 90-minute drive from the city centre, it features two pure links courses with spectacular coastal views. The accommodation on offer includes The Suites, Cottages and Villas and there are two dining options - Ric's Restaurant for wood-fired pizza and beverages and Ocean Restaurant due to open this year. More info(opens in new window)
  
  
• Power to the Pedal
  Discover Auckland on an electric bike. Centrally located in the heart of Auckland city, Power to the Pedal offer e-Bike cycling tours and unguided e-bike hire. More info(opens in new window)
  
  
• Explore Group - Explore Rotoroa Island - Qualmark Gold
  Explore Group offers a new ferry service to Rotoroa Island in the Hauraki Gulf, providing a scenic 75-minute cruise each way. The island has been predator-free since 2014 and is a haven for native birds and wildlife. Visitors can check out the museum and heritage buildings and snorkel and swim the beautiful bays. (Please note there is no cafe on the island). More info(opens in new window)
  
  
• Kiwi Connect, Waiheke – Qualmark Silver
  Join a guided tour of Auckland or Waiheke in an eco-friendly 100% electric van. Safe, comfortable and (most importantly) - fun. Tours are available daily. Maximum six passengers per van. More info(opens in new window)

Kirikiriroa Hamilton Waikato

• Rural Tours – Qualmark Bronze
  Rural Tours allow visitors to get a taste of farming life in Waikato. With overnight farm stays as well as farm visits with hospitality. More info(opens in new window)
  
  
• Riverside Adventures – Qualmark Gold
  Boutique Packages - A collective of Cambridge operators are now offering great trade-ready packages including a Waikato River jet boat tour with Camjet, an evening kayak under a galaxy of stars and glowworms with Riverside Adventures, self-guided entry to Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, and delightful accommodation at The Hidden Lake Hotel. More info(opens in new window)
  
  
• Lavender Backyard Garden
  Waikato is one of New Zealand’s largest growing regions for blueberries, strawberries and very instagrammable Lavender Farms. During the summer months visitors love to stroll the aisles, pick and enjoy the fruits of these farms and of course take the perfect photo. More info(opens in new window)

Taupō

• Kaimanawa Alpine Adventures – Qualmark Silver
  Not for the faint hearted! This is a thrilling 23 kilometre downhill heli-biking experience through alpine, native forests with spectacular mountain views. More info(opens in new window)
  
  
• Taupō Sailing Adventures: Tiua - Qualmark Silver
  Taupō's newest luxury catamaran, a 53-foot vessel, takes you on a cruise through the pristine natural environment of Lake Taupō. Ideal for groups of up to 50 guests. More info(opens in new window)

Rotorua

• National Kiwi Hatchery 
  Has recently reopened at Agrodome (All hatchery ticket proceeds go to the kiwi hatching programme). The hatchery was previously at Rotorua’s Rainbow Springs Nature Park. More info(opens in new window).

Ruapehu

• New Sky Waka gondola and high tea experience ‘Tea at 2020m’ – Qualmark Gold
  Ride the Sky Waka gondola this summer and enjoy the new high 'Tea at 2020m' – quite possibly the highest high tea in the world. Offering a delectable menu of sandwiches, savouries, and cakes. Includes your choice of tea or coffee or add on a flute of prosecco or a gin and tonic, depending on your taste. More info(opens in new window)

Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

• Wellington Cable Car – Qualmark Gold
  For the first time since 2019, the Wellington Cable Car has welcomed one million passengers on the iconic red cars, signifying a post-pandemic resurgence. More info(opens in new window)

Wairarapa

• Star Safari Celestial Escapades – Qualmark Silver
  Enjoy a new unique, private experience at Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve with Hari, an accomplished astrobiologist, and Sam, an astrophysicist. Including a 90 minute guided tour and telescope viewing, return transfers from Martinborough, hot beverages, kids 15 years and under are free. More info(opens in new window)

Hurunui

• Hamner Springs – Qualmark Gold
  Late last year Hamner Springs announced the opening of their two new state-of-the-art hydroslides - Violet Vortex and Waiau Winder, replacing the two beloved older slides. The family fun area is now complete with four hydroslides and New Zealand’s largest aquatic thrill ride, Conical Thrill. Guests can also soak in one of 22 outdoor thermal pools or be treated to a range of indulgent spa therapies. More info(opens in new window)

Kaikōura

• EcoZip Adventures Kaikōura
  Now officially open! EcoZip Adventures Kaikōura is a captivating three and a half hour eco adventure including a shuttle from town, a ride on a custom-built Unimog 4X4 and journey through Rakanui Station, a beautiful 3000-acre working farm, a guided nature walk to the Zipline towers and five epic ziplines of over 2.2 kilometres of sea and mountain views. More info(opens in new window)

Te Tai Poutini West Coast

• Pounamu Pathway
  Opened late last year, Pounamu Pathway is an immersive storytelling experience delivered in four unique and linked hubs across the West Coast, from Haast to Westport. With creative partner, Wētā Workshop, bringing cultural experiences to life through digital and immersive technology. More info(opens in new window).

Tāhuna Queenstown

• Ayrburn
  Queenstown's latest dining precinct development Ayrburn, recently opened in December, with five of its expected 10 total venues. Located just outside of Queenstown in Arrowtown, Ayrburn is a food and wine playground. More info(opens in new window)
  
  
• Queenstown’s Latest Product Updates
  There has been a variety of new accommodation, food and wine, and tourism experiences recently updated or newly opened for Queenstown. Keep up to date here(opens in new window)

Te Rua-o-te-Moko Fiordland

• RealNZ Milford Sound Premium Cruise – Qualmark Gold
  Explore Milford Sound onboard the MV Sinbad. On this two and a half hour experience, manuhiri (visitors) can enjoy a cruise the length of the fiord and indulge in freshly prepared canapes, whilst taking in the beauty of Milford Sound. More info(opens in new window)

Murihiku Southland

• Envy Experiences - Qualmark Silver
  Envy Experiences offer sustainable and luxurious guided tours of Milford Sound, in a Tesla Model X or Y ensuring your private experience is 100% Carbon Zero and they have recently received "climate positive" certification from Ekos. More info(opens in new window)