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

• Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails
  The 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand are spread throughout the motu (country). Mostly off-road with adventures to suit everyone, these trails blend world-class scenery, must-see sights, exciting activities, as well as delicious food and wine. They are the perfect way to explore, enjoy, and share special times with family and friends. You’ll find the Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails Trade Directory here(opens in new window) and our cycling pages on newzealand.com for more info(opens in new window).
  
  
• Accor Group
  Work is underway to certify all of Accor Group's 40 Aotearoa New Zealand hotels, resorts and apartments as Qualmark Gold Standard Sustainable Tourism Businesses. The world’s largest hotel operator, runs more than 40 properties across New Zealand under quality brands such as Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, and Ibis and this is set to be a landmark sustainability partnership for Qualmark and the Accor group. More info(opens in new window).
  
  
• Great Journeys New Zealand – Qualmark Gold
  Great Journeys will be operating their special VIP WOW Train, coupled with tickets to the 2024 World of Wearable Art Show (WOW) in Wellington. The themed packages will depart Auckland and Christchurch, combining New Zealand's mesmerising scenery aboard the Northern Explorer train with 'A-Reserve' tickets to the WOW Show and accommodation in Wellington. More info(opens in new window)

Te Tai Tokerau Northland

• Making your way to Northland
  NZTA Waka Kotahi are undertaking important upgrade works on State Highway 1 (connection between Auckland and Northland) through the Brynderwyns. Northland remains open and ready to welcome visitors via three detour routes which will be in place between Monday 26 February – Wednesday 27 March, opening for six days over the Easter period between 28 March – 2 April. The detour routes will again be available until completion of the upgrade works on 13 May 2024. More info(opens in new window).

Pare Hauraki Coromandel

• Te Whanganui-a-Hei Cathedral Cove update
  Conservation Minister Tama Potaka has announced that reinstating walking access to Cathedral Cove before next summer is a priority, so that visitors can once again safely and fully enjoy one of the country's iconic locations. The track to the famous beach - renowned for its natural rock arch feature – was severely damaged by extreme weather events in January and February 2023. More info(opens in new window).
  
  
  
• Discover Whangamata Boat Tours – Qualmark Silver
  On this new 90-minute tour, guests can explore hidden bays and coves including Whangamata Wild Sanctuary, where Whenuakura Island is located. This personalized experience caters for a maximum of four participants of all ages and abilities. More info(opens in new window).
  
  
  
• Gather at Falls Retreat – Qualmark in process
  A new unique dining experience showcasing the use of homegrown produce from the organic veggie gardens, local farmers and Coromandel suppliers. Includes: three course set menu with everyone seated on long tables and the opportunity to wander around the beautiful property, play outdoor games and explore the kids playground. More info(opens in new window).
  

Kirikiriroa Hamilton Waikato

• Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science & Heritage – Qualmark Gold
  The Museum and gallery offer a one-hour tour including: A co-hosted experience featuring Senior Art Collections Manager and Arts expert Talei Langley, and Ruby Dax - bubbly, effervescent, resident Drag Queen. The tour also includes a guided back-of-house visit of the art collection store to explore new ways to view and interpret paintings. More info(opens in new window).

Rotorua

• The National Kiwi Hatchery, Agrodome – Qualmark Gold
  Have announced the hatching of their 2,500th kiwi chick, after a very successful season last year, which saw 153 chicks born at the hatchery, which recently relocated to The Agrodome from Rainbow Springs, both in Rotorua. More info(opens in new window).

Taupō

• Huka Lodge – Qualmark Gold
  The Taupō luxury accommodation is closing for renovations from May this year. The final guests depart on 30 April and the lodge is expected to open from 1 December 2024. All 20-guest suites, private areas, glass-roofed pergolas will be upgraded and includes new builds of wellness grounds featuring an iced dump shower, steaming plunge pool, spa treatment rooms and sauna. More info(opens in new window).
  
  
• Kai Waho - Kura Tuna Kai Cooking Classes – Qualmark in progress
  Over the last 16 years Kai Waho has delivered an interactive ‘Hangi’ activity and have now recently built a ‘Kauta’ (cook house) on tribal land, offering three to four hour cooking class for either a lunch or dinner and is a very intimate and personalised experience for two to four guests. More info(opens in new window).

Te Tai Poutini West Coast

• Inflite Group – Qualmark Gold
  Have resumed West Coast services with the launch of Franz & Fox Glacier Helicopters, featuring famous natural landmarks including New Zealand’s top national parks, highest mountain peak – Aoraki/Mount Cook, and longest glacier – the Tasman Glacier. More info(opens in new window).
  
  
• Flockhill Lodge new development
  Will be opening seven new villa complexes comprising of fourteen private suites in December 2024, including a new restaurant Sugarloaf, named after the peak in the centre of the Homestead’s view, Sugarloaf will host guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. More info(opens in new window).
  
  
• Goldfield Suites – Qualmark Gold
  Goldfield Suites achieves Qualmark Gold. Set amidst two hectares of native bush, in Greymouth. They have recently repainted the exterior and are currently refreshing the interiors to help blend harmoniously with the surrounding nature. More info(opens in new window).

Ōtautahi Christchurch

• Christchurch Adventure Park reopens – Qualmark Gold
  The Christchurch Adventure Park (CAP) will reopen to the public on Friday 22 March, following the impact of the Port Hills fires that forced its closure on 14 February. All facilities, trails and infrastructure have now been assessed and safety checked. Open in time for Easter weekend and then the April school holidays and some exciting new attractions for the Park will also be launching later in the year. More info(opens in new window).

Tāhuna Queenstown

• Queenstown House – Qualmark Silver
  Have created a new room type, The Lake View Kitchen Studio features views of Lake Wakatipu and downtown Queenstown, balcony, fire-place, modern bathroom, breakfast bar, full kitchen and access to complimentary laundry facilities. More info(opens in new window).
  
  
• Remarkable's Ski Field – Qualmark Gold
  Construction of the new chairlift up Remarkable's Ski Field is well underway, opening June 2024. Bigger, faster and longer, it will be twice as quick to ride as the old Shadow Basin chairlift, and will open up nearly 50% more lift-accessible terrain. More info(opens in new window).

• Carlin Hotel
  The operator of the ‘six star’ luxury The Carlin Boutique Hotel in Queenstown has sadly gone into receivership. Efforts are underway to find purchasers and the hotel will remain "open for business as usual" during this transition period. Guests can anticipate no interruptions to their stay and staff, suppliers, contractors, and service providers will continue to be paid as normal. The founder of the companies, Kevin Carlin, died suddenly in December aged 69. More info(opens in new window).

Wānaka

• Cardrona and Treble Cone Ski Resorts – Qualmark Gold
  For winter 2024, Cardrona and Treble Cone have two new premium offerings: Premium Family Private and Premium Experience Private, providing full-day private lessons. Additionally, they will relaunch their Mandarin First Timer Package, catering to Mandarin-speaking adults eager to ski or snowboard. More info(opens in new window).

Maniototo Central Otago

• Goldfields Jet
  Sadly has closed down as of mid February 2024.
  
  
• Alpine Luxury Tours - Qualmark Gold 
  High-Country Heli Wine Tasting Experience - Alpine Luxury Tours has has teamed up with Mora Wines to offer an exclusive Heli Wine Tour in Central Otago. Clients can sample some the region's finest wines amidst the picturesque vineyards. More info(opens in new window).
  
  
• Big Sky Adventures – Qualmark Silver
  Located right on the Otago Central Rail Trail, Big Sky Bike Adventures offer free itinerary planning, great bikes & e-bikes and daily shuttles to and from Queenstown and Dunedin and fully commissionable packages including accommodation. More info(opens in new window).
  
  

Te Rua-o-te-Moko Fiordland

• Cabot Lodge, renovations – Qualmark Gold
  Nestled on a 2000-acre sheep farm by Fiordland National Park, offers luxurious, all-inclusive stays for ten guests with farm experiences and stunning views. Renovations include: adding a Deluxe Suite by October 1, 2024, and a villa by mid-2025, accommodating up to 12 guests, a new treatment room and private dining. More info(opens in new window).

Mata-Au Clutha

• Catlins Tour – Qualmark Silver
  See the highlights of The Catlins plus hidden gems only known to locals, with a Department of Conservation (DOC) certified guide. Tours include Penguin Sunrise Tour, Beach, Bush & Waterfall Tour and Catlins Coastal ATV Experience. More info(opens in new window).
  
  
  
• Beresford Heights Accommodation - Qualmark Silver
  Beresford Heights offers boutique accommodation with breath-taking views. This romantic retreat is an off-the-grid get-away for couples craving a luxurious peaceful escape from their busy lifestyles, in a private magical hideaway. More info(opens in new window).