Visit Ruapehu in conjunction with Great Journeys New Zealand and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited have hosted a group of international travel partners to five days of experiencing some of Ruapehu's and the North Island’s top tourism attractions.
The visiting group from Taiwan, Thailand, China, France, Singapore, India, and Brazil travelled to Ruapehu and then to Auckland via the Northern Explorer scenic train journey after attending TRENZ in Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington last month – New Zealand’s largest international tourism business event.
“This was a fantastic opportunity to showcase activities available to agents from around the world, facilitating growth within the regions visited, as well as fostering relationships for years to come. I believe that there is strong motivation for agents to consider Ruapehu, the Northen Explorer and Auckland for alternative tours and routes compared to the well beaten tracks usually traversed by travellers in New Zealand,” shares Rob Heymell, Business Development Manager for Great Journeys New Zealand.
The Ruapehu segment of the journey included several marae visits, a jetboat trip along the Whanganui River to the Bridge to Nowhere, a rail cart tour with Forgotten World Adventures, visiting Blue Duck Station, Lauren’s Lavender Farm, the National Army Museum, Ohakune Carrot Adventure Park as well as walks in Tongariro National Park and Mt Ruapehu.
Mayor Weston Kirton of Ruapehu District joined the delegates and was thrilled with the strong community and iwi support to welcome the visitors.
“It was a wonderful exchange of cultures and connection. A true reciprocity between people and place was evident in the conversations, laughter and the tears shed saying goodbye during this special time for our communities. Creating opportunities to build these relationships are key to attracting mindful travellers to experience outstanding manaakitanga and the abundant beauty of our natural world here – from our sacred mountains to our sacred rivers,” highlights Mayor Weston.
After an emotional farewell at Ohakune Train Station, the group reboarded the Northern Explorer bound for Auckland where the group stayed at Airedale Boutique Suites, visited the city’s top attractions including Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland Domain Wintergardens, the All Blacks Experience, Weta Workshop Unleashed, attended the America’s Cup Sailing experience with Explore Group and enjoyed fine dining experiences.
“We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to collaborate with Visit Ruapehu and Great Journeys New Zealand on this initiative. By creating meaningful and unforgettable experiences in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and across the motu, we strengthen our position as a premier travel destination,” says Karen Thompson-Smith, Head of Tourism at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
“Together, we aim to promote an extraordinary North Island experience that shapes travel itineraries for international visitors. These partnerships are essential in showcasing the unique and diverse offerings of our region – and fostering strong relationships within the international travel community,” Thompson-Smith says.
For more information:
Mahalee Guieysse
PR and Trade Manager
[email protected]
About Great Journeys New Zealand
Great Journeys New Zealand is the tourism division of KiwiRail that brings together its three Scenic train journeys including the award winning TranzAlpine (Christchurch/Greymouth), Northern Explorer (Auckland/Wellington) and Coastal Pacific (Picton/Christchurch). Delivering to KiwiRail’s overarching purpose of creating stronger connections for a better New Zealand, Great Journeys New Zealand has increased its rail tourism offering with a range of short break packages and multi-day guided tours. Developed for both domestic and international visitors, the packages and tours allow travellers to step off the beaten track and explore what each region has to offer with activities, food and beverage options and pre-organised accommodation. Great Journeys New Zealand commits to the Tiaki Promise and encourages customers and businesses to care for people and place. For a full overview of the Great Journeys New Zealand offering visit www.greatjourneysnz.com
About Tātaki Auckland Unlimited
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited is Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s economic and cultural agency committed to making our region a desirable place to live, work, visit, invest and do business. To find out more visit www.aucklandunlimited.com
About Visit Ruapehu
Visit Ruapehu is a Regional Tourism Organisation responsible for promoting the destination of Ruapehu to both domestic and international visitors as New Zealand’s first choice, outdoor destination. For more info visit www.visitruapehu.com
