Attractions

Otago Polytechnic Te Pūkenga’s Exhibition has attracted more than 30,000 visitors since it opened in December.

The opening of Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa is being hailed as a potential “game changer” for Rotorua’s economy and tourism sector.

The final touches will soon be put on the new purpose-built art centre at Mahara Gallery in Waikanae.

Napier’s Open Spa will reopen to the public on 15 May following upgrades to facilities, lighting, security, and staff recruitment.

A shared entranceway between Hamilton Zoo and the Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park is now open to visitors.

With Tourism Waitaki ending, the local council is considering bringing in an operator to help grow its popular attraction.

The All Blacks Experience at SkyCity Auckland is introducing Japanese and Chinese subtitles to provide a more immersive experience and a wider appeal to foreign visitors.

Queenstown’s town centre now tells more of the story behind its history in a narrative woven through paving and light poles around the area.

Hamilton City Council has received $14.6m in government funding for eight projects and services, including improvements to Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park and other safety measures at key visitor destinations.

New Plymouth’s 85-year-old Poet’s Bridge at Pukekura Park is receiving a makeover to prepare it for the next generation of visitors.

Bay of Islands Vintage Railway will unveil its fully-restored steam train over the upcoming Anniversary Weekend.

A new cultural and heritage attraction near Fox Glacier and the Wekeka township is now open to visitors.

Historic battle site Te Pakanga o Ōhaeawai near Kaikohe in Northland has opened to the public after a $1.79m restoration project.

The first of four experiential visitor hubs along the Pounamu Pathway on the West Coast is to apply for consent from Grey District Council.

The final stage of the boardwalk around Lake Rotorua is open to the public after almost a year under construction.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has officially opened the new $32m Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre in Hastings.

Whakarewarewa Village is closed indefinitely while repairs are underway to fix a footpath sinkhole that severely burned an Australian tourist yesterday.

A plan to transform a Tauranga reserve into a cultural and historic centre would provide a visitor experience around Māori life, including the 1864 battle of Gate Pā Pukehinahina.

The attraction is proving a boon five months after opening, enticing visitors to spend more time in the region.

Marlborough District Council will consider a new hot-pool aquatic facility, a heritage or environment centre, and a mountain bike park to boost tourism opportunities and increase economic benefits in Waitohi Picton.

New Plymouth’s Brooklands Zoo has received accreditation from the Zoo Aquarium Association for its excellence and commitment to positive animal welfare.

Magic Memories has secured a content partnership with the world’s only Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Northern Ireland.

A Tauranga reserve commemorating the 1864 Battle of Re Ranga is being upgraded to create a place of remembrance and storytelling.

Wellington City Council has approved $5.64m in funding for a Destination Skate Park in the capital.

A group of legendary All Blacks will play host at the All Blacks Experience in Auckland over the April school holidays.

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre in Marlborough will receive a $1.7m funding injection from Marlborough District Council, but there’s a ‘catch-22 situation’ attached, says the district’s mayor.

The iconic tourism attraction will close its doors for good in September.

The Royal Albatross Centre on the Otago Penisnsula today is celebrating 50 years since opening with a 50% discount on their tour.

A new business space has launched at Ngāruawāhia aimed at attracting visitors, offering food, local tourism experiences, retail shopping, and professional services.

Bradley’s Garden in Taumarunui has been recognised as a 5-star Garden of National Significance by the New Zealand Gardens Trust.

Costumes from The Lord of the Rings film trilogies will be displayed across Wellington as the franchise celebrates its 20-year anniversary.

A new ice lounge attraction has opened its doors at Queenstown’s Upper Village.

Kingpin will open its doors next week to what it calls a ‘first-class entertainment hub’.

Tourism businesses suffer a significant drop in visitation.

Ōtorohanga Kiwi House is ready to welcome back Aucklanders from 15 December but does not expect many tourists until March or April next year.

The All Blacks Experience will re-open on Friday 3 December and plans a week of celebration to mark its first year of operation.

Cultural attractions are suffering but one operator has found a path forward, managing to boost domestic visitor numbers above pre-Covid levels.

Grovetown Lagoon has become a popular area for walking, biking, picnicking, kayaking, food gathering and bird watching.

New area better sign-posted, with multiple parking spots for cars, coaches and campers.

Lighting to form part of Matariki season event on 10 July.

The new visitor centre project dovetails with plans to promote Whanganui River Road as a tourism driving route.

A heritage/ environment centre, a mountain bike park and a hot-pool style aquatic facility proposed.

Historic ride set welcome guests again by end May.

New cinema to be located in Christchurch’s The Landing Shopping Mall.

The Queenstown attraction is waiting for a trans-Tasman bubble to help turn around its fortunes.

A new sign installed at Tapataia Mahaka Peters Lookout on Highway 80 to Aoraki Mt Cook tells the stories of manawhenua in Te Manahuna Mackenzie Basin.

Wellington’s iconic Cable Car, launched in 1902, will celebrate its 119th birthday this month.

The Napier attraction has enjoyed one of its busiest seasons to date, with more than 100,000 visitors since 16 November.

A South Island high-country station which plays its part in the Mackenzie tourism landscape as the birthplace of the Hamilton Jet has been put up for sale.

Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village is now open again following a nine-month hibernation.