31 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2051 views
A $4.5 million investment in developing tourism at culturally significant sites aims to create jobs and boost rural economies, expanding the Tohu Whenua program to more regions. Tohu Whenua enhances visitor experiences by sharing unique cultural heritage stories and improving facilities. The program, a partnership between Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and DOC, has seen significant increases in visitation at sites and is set to expand to Manawatū-Whanganui and Murihiku Southland regions.
31 Jul 2025
1 year ago
1965 views
The $17.5 million investment in sustainable tourism aims to boost regional economies by supporting jobs and incomes at popular natural attractions in New Zealand. The funding will improve visitor planning and management at key sites like Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and Milford Sound, ensuring the conservation areas continue to attract tourists with stunning nature. Additionally, investments in Great Walks and DOC campsites will enhance service and management, contributing to the country's economic growth driven by tourism expenditure of $44.4 billion and over 300,000 jobs.
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.
24 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2222 views
The 'Everyone Must Go' campaign in New Zealand exceeded expectations, bringing in over 7,981 additional visitors and generating significant attention on both sides of the Tasman. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston highlights the campaign's success in boosting regional economies and tourism operators through collaboration between the sector and government. The campaign's strong results led to further investment, showcasing the positive impact of targeted marketing efforts on driving economic growth and supporting the tourism industry.
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.
10 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2072 views
A new cycle bridge on the West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail will bring more visitors to the region and boost the local economy. “I’m thrilled to be supporting the construction of the Totara River Rail Bridge, ensuring visitors can once again ride this popular trail from start to finish,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. “The West Coast Wilderness Cycle Trail is one of our Great Rides and attracts both international and domestic visitors alike, showcasing the stunning scenery of the West Coast.
08 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2002 views
A targeted effort to reduce the backlog of applications for use of conservation land is accelerating economic growth without compromising conservation values, says Conservation Minister Tama Potaka. “Over the years, decision makers at the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai became wrapped and trapped in a sticky ball of red tape unnecessarily slowing the success of tourism operators, researchers, major infrastructure project developers, among many others. “The department is doing a great job delivering on my expectation to crack on with the mahi.