12 Sep 2026
1 month ago
361 views
The Government is investing $835,000, funded by the International Visitor Levy, to enhance Kaikōura’s visitor facilities, especially for cruise arrivals, and improve public spaces for both tourists and locals. This investment aims to support tourism growth by creating a more welcoming experience, boosting the local economy, and addressing pressures on the small local community. By improving infrastructure in Kaikōura, the initiative seeks to increase visitor spending, job opportunities, and overall economic benefits for the region.
04 Sep 2026
1 month ago
407 views
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka announced $2 million in International Visitor Levy funding to restore the Whangamarino wetland, focusing on water level management, water quality, and pest control to protect its international Ramsar status. Additionally, $75,000 was granted to support the captive breeding program for the endangered Māhoenui giant wētā at Otorohanga Kiwi House, aiming to boost wild populations. These initiatives, developed in partnership with local iwi and stakeholders, demonstrate a strong commitment to preserving New Zealand’s unique taonga species and habitats for future generations.
01 Sep 2026
1 month ago
489 views
The Government is investing an additional $400,000, building on a prior $300,000, to repair the Hauraki Rail Trail after severe storm damage, ensuring it remains a key tourism asset supporting local jobs and economic growth. Funded by the International Visitor Levy and the New Zealand Cycle Trail Fund, with contributions from the Hauraki Rail Trail Charitable Trust, the repairs focus on damaged surfaces and structures, especially in the Karangahake Gorge. The trail attracts over 32,000 visitors annually, contributing about $12 million to the local economy, and its recovery is vital for sustaining regional tourism and associated businesses.
22 Jul 2026
3 months ago
692 views
The Government is investing $3.8 million from the International Visitor Levy to upgrade public toilet facilities in the Mackenzie and Queenstown Lakes districts, two of New Zealand’s busiest visitor destinations. This funding aims to alleviate the financial burden on local communities by adopting a user-pays approach, ensuring visitors contribute to the maintenance of public amenities. The investment supports tourism's role in sustaining jobs and local businesses while providing cleaner, more reliable infrastructure for both residents and visitors.
25 Jun 2026
4 months ago
864 views
The New Zealand Government, led by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston, has released a Tourism Policy Statement to guide collaboration between central and local governments and industry in growing tourism and boosting regional economies. The policy aims to double the value of tourism exports by 2034 through strategic investments, infrastructure, marketing, and initiatives like the Regional Tourism Boost, which supports campaigns to attract international visitors beyond main centers and peak seasons. With $5 million allocated for round three of the Regional Tourism Boost, targeting key markets such as Australia, China, and North America, recent data shows tourism is recovering strongly, with international visitor numbers reaching 94% of pre-pandemic levels.
18 Jun 2026
4 months ago
981 views
The New Zealand Government plans to boost tourism growth by investing $4 million in targeted marketing in Australia, the United States, and China, alongside a $1 million boost to attract more business events. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston emphasized that tourism, as the country's second-largest export, is vital for economic growth, with goals to restore visitor numbers to pre-pandemic levels by 2026 and double tourism export value in ten years. These investments, funded by the International Visitor Levy, aim to accelerate visitor numbers, support high-value business events, and deliver economic benefits across New Zealand.
20 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1266 views
The Government is investing $3.5 million over five years to restore over 3000 hectares of Tongariro National Park damaged by major fires, focusing on weed control, pest management, and biodiversity monitoring. This effort, supported by the International Visitor Levy, aims to protect the park’s ecological resilience and sustain the local economy and communities dependent on it. Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro and the Department of Conservation are collaborating on the Maunga Ora restoration plan, integrating science and Māori knowledge to revive the sacred landscape.
19 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1318 views
New Zealand’s 23 Great Rides contribute $1.28 billion annually to local economies, with visitor spending rising 35% from 2021 to 2025, according to the latest evaluation report. Visitor nights and trail usage have also increased significantly, boosting accommodation and hospitality sectors and supporting regional jobs. The Government invests $8 million yearly from the International Visitor Levy and additional funds into trail infrastructure to sustain growth and economic benefits.
31 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1847 views
Conservation Minister Tama Potaka highlights the importance of eradicating invasive weeds to benefit tourism and rural businesses in New Zealand. The government is investing in early detection technology and allocating funds from the International Visitor Levy to protect iconic landscapes like Abel Tasman, Aoraki/Mt Cook, and Tongariro. Additional funding is directed towards combating wilding pines and other significant weeds, aiming to safeguard the environment, economy, and biodiversity of the country.
10 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2023 views
A significant boost in the number of people booking bednights along the country’s Great Walks is a good sign for conservation tourism and local businesses, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. Opening day bookings for each of the Great Walks were up by over 10,000 bednights compared to last year, totalling more than 140,000 bednights and bringing in more than $9 million to the Department of Conservation - Te Papa Atawhai, says Mr Potaka. “Booking system upgrades - including a new online lobby - successfully processed a peak of nearly 12,000 people waiting to book the Milford when it opened on 28 May in an hour.
19 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2243 views
A $750,000 investment into Iwi and community led biodiversity protection at Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park will benefit the environment and sustainable tourism, Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. “We’re backing much-needed protection for one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most unique conservation parks and southern-most kauri habitats through work to eradicate destructive wild goats, contributing to a healthier and scenic visitor experience near Tauranga,” Mr Potaka says. “Browsing animals, like wild goats affect forest regeneration significantly, and are considered a potential spreader of kauri dieback through soil they carry.