Earlier this month Aotearoa New Zealand’s biggest tourism event, TRENZ, was held for the first time in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington(opens in new window) at the capital city’s brand-new convention and exhibition centre, Tākina.  

An event buzzing with energy, TRENZ brings together international travel and tourism product managers with leading New Zealand tourism operators. It provides an opportunity to meet kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face) to establish new connections, strengthen existing relationships, negotiate business deals for the upcoming season and attend networking functions. 

This year over 1000 delegates from 25 countries including those from New Zealand’s largest visitor markets – Australia, the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan – took part in 15,000 appointments. Highlights(opens in new window) from these meetings included learning about the growing portfolio of PurePods(opens in new window) accommodation and hearing that transport providers such as JUCY(opens in new window) are committed to investing in their fleet of rental vehicles. 

The atmosphere throughout the three days was upbeat, with New Zealand tourism operators feeling positive after a strong summer. This sentiment was shared by delegates as they experienced Wellington tourism operators in action during famils held throughout the region. A total of 49 famils were organised, ranging from discovering movie making magic at Wētā Workshop(opens in new window) to witnessing conservation efforts at Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne(opens in new window).

Product managers also had the chance to explore other regions like Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland(opens in new window), Nelson Tasman(opens in new window) and Tāhuna Queenstown(opens in new window) first-hand on pre and post TRENZ famils hosted by the Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs). From a scenic train journey across the North Island aboard the Northern Explorer to hiking through the stunning Abel Tasman National Park, these famils showcased the breadth of experiences on offer in New Zealand during the off peak season.

In 2025, TRENZ will be heading to Rotorua(opens in new window). Returning to the birthplace of international tourism in New Zealand for the first time since 2019, TRENZ will take place 6-8 May at the city’s Energy Events Centre. As one of the country’s most iconic destinations, famed for its exceptional tourism experiences, this will be an event not to be missed!