News

Tuesday, December 05, 2023

December Product Update

Stargazing with Star Safari, Waiarapa

Pare Hauraki Coromandel

  • The Beach Bus – Qualmark Silver
    Go Kiwi Shuttles are operating their Beach Bus for the summer around the Coromandel from Mercury Bay to Hahei and Hot Water Beach. More info(opens in new window).
  • Coromandel Road Open for Christmas
    Access to part of the main highway between Kōpū and Hikuai on the Coromandel Peninsula will reopen to the public by 20 December. More info(opens in new window). 

Waikato

  • Blue Spring / Te Waihou Walkway closed
    South Waikato District Council has taken a decision to close the Blue Spring / Te Waihou Walkway. The closure will be in effect from 13 November 2023 and the council expect to have the walkway re-opened within a year, if not sooner. More info(opens in new window). 

Wairarapa

  • Star Safari Celestial Escapade - Qualmark Silver
    Offering unrivalled stargazing, expert guides and giant telescopes. This is a unique private experience with Hari, an accomplished astrobiologist, and Sam, an astrophysicist, both seasoned space science communicators who lead manuhiri (visitors) on an exploration of the universe. Includes transport, VR option for bad weather. 8 pax max. More info(opens in new window).

  • The Runholder, Martinborough - Qualmark provisional
    Nestled on the edge of the Martinborough terrace and against the spectacular backdrop of Wairarapa’s rolling countryside. The Runholder is the new home of a tasting room, restaurant and distillery - Te Kairanga Winery, Martinborough Vineyard and Lighthouse Gin. More info(opens in new window).

Kākā in flight, Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne

Rotorua

  • Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa - Qualmark provisional license
    Has recently been named as 'Best New Spa' at the 2023 Spa & Wellness Awards, held by Spa & Wellness Magazine. More info(opens in new window).

Taupō

  • Big Sky Parasail Taupō – not Qualmark
    Have relaunched under new ownership. Guests can experience parasailing through the sky 1000 ft. above Lake Taupō, one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most beautiful lakes. More info(opens in new window).

  • Orakei Korako – Qualmark Gold
    Sustainable boats and sustainable journey - Orakei Korako has a new vessel with a sustainable hydro-motor for tours to the active geothermal field, where manuhiri (visitors) can safely discover some of the largest silica terraces on Earth. More info(opens in new window).

  • Taupō Sailing AdventuresQualmark Silver
    Have launched a new luxury sailboat catamaran Tiua and is available for private charters. More info(opens in new window).

  • The Kaimanawa Descent – Qualmark Silver
    NEW downhill bike track! A legendary 22 kilometre ride with views of Tongariro National Park. Heli-biking packages available. More info(opens in new window).


Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

  • Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne – Qualmark Gold
    Has been named the top tourism operation in Aotearoa New Zealand as winner of the prestigious Air New Zealand Supreme Tourism Award. More info(opens in new window).


  • Interislander Ferry, summer update - Qualmark Gold
    Have increased their passenger capacities for summer season 2023/24. A new Interislander ferry is set to be in operation from February 2026. A new walkway for foot passengers in Waitohi Picton is complete and their new summer menus are now available on all three ships. More info(opens in new window).

 

Maruia River Retreat, Magnesium Pool, Nelson Tasman

Whakatū Nelson Tasman

  • Nelson Tasman's Great Taste Trail completes 220 kilometre loop
    The final section of the Nelson section of the Great Taste Trail linking Nelson Golf Course with Awatea Place has now been completed. More info(opens in new window).

  • Maruia River Retreat Qualmark Gold
    Have recently built an 8 metre magnesium pool and by 2025 aim to be a 100% electric resort powered by renewable sources including an onsite mini hydro plant. More info(opens in new window).


Te Taio Poutini West Coast

  • Otira Gorge Resurfacing Work
    Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will be closing State Highway 73, the Arthur’s Pass route linking the West Coast and Canterbury early in December for around two weeks. More info(opens in new window)


Te Manahuna Mackenzie

  • Glacier Country Helicopters - Qualmark Gold
    New experience: Shackleton 'Whisky' Endurance, 50 Minute Flight. Franz Josef, Tasman & Shackleton Glaciers. ‘Lightning of the Beacons’ film site from Lord of The Rings Mount Cook, Southern Alps & Ice Lake Includes 15 minute snow landing Complimentary Shackleton Whiskey sample. More info(opens in new window).

Altitude Tours, Glenorchy

Tāhuna Queenstown

  • Altitude Tours - Qualmark Gold
    Are the proud winners of the following awards:  
    - NZME Visitor Experience Award 2023 at the New Zealand Tourism Awards.
    - Eudora+ Emerging Tourism Leader Award 2023 (Heidi Farren) also at the New Zealand Tourism Awards.
    - Excellence in Customer Experience Award at the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2023. More info(opens in new window).


Murihiku Southland

  • Invercargill Central
    Is a new city redevelopment with a blend of old heritage facades and new buildings and is located close by to The Langlands Hotel. It’s a retail and hospitality hub offering great shopping and dining options. More info(opens in new window)
     
  • Tokoeka and Hananui PurePods, Rakiura Stewart Island – Qualmark Gold
    Are the two newest PurePods, located on Rakiura Stewart Island. Both nestled amongst lush native bush behind a predator-proof fence in an eco-sanctuary, full of birdlife, including kiwi. Rakiura Stewart Island is one of the best places in Aotearoa New Zealand to spot wild kiwi and is part of the southern-most Dark Sky Reserve. Guests may even spot a kiwi from their bed!! The kiwi are not affected by special red lights around the deck but guests can see them. More info(opens in new window).

PurePod Hananui, Stewart Island