Action & Adventure
Queenstown – ‘adventure capital of New Zealand’
Soft and extreme adventures
If your clients are looking for action and adventure, then New Zealand is the perfect destination. Any adrenaline-pumping itinerary has to include the adventure capital of Queenstown. The steep river gorges here are the original home of commercial bungy jumping and the rugged landscape now entertains visitors with jet boating, heli skiing and much more. But beyond the mountains of Queenstown, there are plenty of other thrills on offer. And don’t think that adventures are restricted to just a certain kind of traveller, because New Zealand offers a range of challenges for hard-core enthusiasts to novice participants of all ages. The West Coast glaciers, for instance, may be easily explored on a guided glacier walk, a glacier lake cruise or a helicopter landing on the ice, while more adventurous visitors may like to try glacier climbing. Similarly, the famous Waitomo Caves can be experienced with a family-friendly cave walk or with the more intense thrill of black-water rafting or abseiling. Other popular adventures include diving, white-water rafting and, of course, hiking.
Romantic Escapes
Luxurious lodge accommodation
Memorable wedding venues
From the pleasure of experiencing wilderness areas as a couple, to the luxury of a romantic retreat in a boutique lodge, New Zealand offers plenty of ways for romantics to indulge. If your clients are looking for romance, suggest traditionally romantic options such as a hot air balloon flight followed by a Champagne breakfast or dinner at a romantic restaurant, or more adventurous opportunities to bond such as braving a tandem bungy jump, sea kayaking or swimming with dolphins. New Zealand is also a very popular location for weddings. If your clients are about to take the next big step, options range from a traditional church ceremony to a setting that matches their personalities, such as a garden, a beach or on top of a snow-clad mountain. Official information about getting married in New Zealand can be sourced from the Department of Internal Affairs. Visit the DIA website for more information. www.dia.govt.nz
Family Vacation
Good value travel options
Fun attractions and activities
Learning opportunities
New Zealand is a great place for an adventure that the whole family will remember. Renting a car or campervan is an ideal transport option for groups: vehicles of all sizes are available, including people-movers that will carry families without any fuss, and they eliminate the need to worry about bothering other passengers. Self-contained motels or apartments with kitchen and laundry facilities are an excellent option, allowing families to cater to the needs of the whole family. Camping grounds and holiday parks are another possibility; for those not travelling by campervan, many camping grounds offer cabins or units. They are good value and usually have a playground to entertain younger family members. Another option is to consider a farm stay, giving children the opportunity to experience life down on the farm. Once the practicalities are sorted, it’s easy to find fun activities for families. Animal encounters rank highly amongst the young ones, whether it’s a visit to a zoo or wildlife centre, or spotting seals, dolphins or whales in the wild. Don’t miss the learning opportunity of seeing conservation efforts in action at attractions like Kiwi Encounter in Rotorua or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch. Attractions and theme parks are popular, of course, and many offer a strong educational component along with the fun. There are numerous museums to explore, including Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum in Wellington, which is renowned for its interactive displays, hands-on exhibits and activities for kids (and adults). Some of New Zealand’s most iconic activities are also suitable for all ages. Walking in a national park is an excellent way to teach children an appreciation for nature, while beach visits, boating and kayaking are perennially fun for families. Older children can be encouraged to challenge their limits by trying some of the more adventurous outdoor activities on offer: skiing, horse riding, mountain biking and river rafting all present the opportunity to create family memories that will last forever.
Road Trips
Destinations ‘off the beaten track’
Driving in New Zealand
For those who are confident drivers, New Zealand is an excellent place for a driving holiday. Renting a car or campervan is a good-value way of transporting a group of travellers and it also allows them the freedom to visit destinations that may be away from the main tourist routes. Driving is relatively easy on the well-maintained and signposted main roads – although do be aware that distances can be greater than they appear on the map, so allow plenty of time for stops.
Backpacking
Inexpensive accommodation options
Low cost or free activities
New Zealand is hugely popular amongst backpackers for good reason. Hostels and camping grounds abound and the country’s major drawcard, its stunning and diverse landscape, is free for every visitor. There are plenty of inexpensive ways to explore rainforests, beaches, glaciers and geothermal fields, from hiking the Great Walks to catching a wave at one of the many surf beaches.
Tours & Travel Passes
Ease of planning
Good-value travel passes
Many travellers prefer someone else to take care of the planning. If this describes your clients, then seek out one of the many multi-day guided tour options available. But even for independent travellers, it can be a good idea to book one-day sightseeing trips for an in-depth look at particular areas of interest with an expert local guide – it allows them to take a break from planning for a day and gain an insider’s perspective on their destination. For clients wanting hassle-free travel with a degree of independence, bus and rail travel passes can be a good compromise.
Business Travel
Qualmark quality ratings
International standards
Your corporate clients are often clients who travel regularly, know what they want and have high expectations. You want to exceed those expectations and so, when you are booking travel for a corporate client, you need to know that you are getting exactly what you have asked for. Fortunately, New Zealand’s Qualmark quality rating system allows you to select accommodation at levels assessed and graded by an official agency. Transport and activities may also be assessed as Qualmark Endorsed when they are deemed to be professional and trustworthy so that you can be confident recommending them even to your premium customers. Clients travelling to New Zealand on business want all the tools they need close at hand. If they are first-time business travellers to New Zealand, reassure them that New Zealand is well-served with international hotel chains that will provide comfortable and familiar surroundings, while providing everything they need to do business. Many hotels and some motels have on-site meeting rooms or conference facilities, most have in-room internet access available and/or computers for guest use, and some have dedicated business centres.
Investment
New Zealand has a very efficient, market-oriented economy and a stable, secure business environment. A business-friendly taxation system supports capital development, research and development, and international investment. New Zealand Trade & Enterprise is the contact point for international investors; their Investment Specialists help identify business prospects. www.nzte.govt.nz
Immigration
New Zealand offers an attractive lifestyle to potential immigrants. If your clients are interested in moving permanently to New Zealand, they will need to carefully consider the decision and ensure that they are able to satisfy immigration criteria. It is suggested that they consult the New Zealand Immigration Service at an early stage in planning. www.immigration.govt.nz
Education
New Zealand is a very popular choice among international students. Home to excellent schools, universities and English language classes, New Zealand offers a well-integrated education system and an innovative approach to learning that helps students achieve their full potential.
Working Holidays
A great way to experience New Zealand culture up-close is to embark on a working holiday – and it’s a popular option, particularly among younger travellers. Various employment options exist for visitors, but jobs in the areas of agriculture, horticulture and viticulture (grape-growing) are a good option in certain parts of the country as working holidaymakers who are able to prove that they have worked in these industries for at least three months may be eligible to extend their stay in New Zealand by three months. See the Working Holidaymaker Extension Visa section on the immigration New Zealand website for more information. www.immigration.govt.nz
Conventions & Incentives
Conventions & Incentives New Zealand
MEETINGS Exhibition
If you or your clients are planning a convention or incentive in New Zealand, free assistance is available, provided by Conventions & Incentives New Zealand. Their annual event, The MEETINGS Exhibition, held in May and June each year, includes a Hosted Buyer Programme for domestic and international meeting planners, comprising sponsored air fares, food, accommodation and access to the exhibition and all gala events. Buyers are also provided with the opportunity to take hosted post-exhibition tours around New Zealand. www.conventionsnz.co.nz
Rest & Relax
Are your clients seeking an escape from the everyday? Then they’re coming to the right place. Luxurious, one-of-a-kind retreats are a speciality in New Zealand and they may be located in the heart of a busy tourist resort or deep in the wilderness. Look for luxury lodge or boutique hotel accommodation for an unforgettable stay. Add to this geothermal bathing, Māori massage, day spas and wellness sanctuaries and you have the recipe for a perfectly indulgent break for your clients.
