Regional tourism highlights: January 2020

New flights between Auckland and Invercargill are proving a game changer for the Southland region.

At the end of each month, we bring you regional tourism highlights so you can stay up-to-date with airline, travel, and tourism news from around New Zealand.

Auckland-Invercargill direct flights a ‘game changer’ for Southland

Southlanders are embracing a new direct jet flight connecting them to Auckland with more than 46,000 seats already sold.

Multimillion-dollar wharf project to boost Kaikoura tourism

A project aimed at revitalising Kaikōura’s southeastern coastline has been given a $10 million injection by the Provincial Growth Fund.

Visitor numbers bounce back in Franz Josef

The Department of Conservation’s latest track counter data for the Franz Josef Glacier Valley recorded its busiest day ever with 7,137 visiting on 1 January 2020.

Queenstown tourism operator targets premium market

A well-established Queenstown tour operator is taking a new direction in response to changes in overseas markets and dynamics.

Sky’s the limit for Matata Dark Sky Sanctuary potential

The tiny Bay of Plenty town Matatā could become a Dark Sky Sanctuary if one councillor’s vision comes to fruition.

‘Uniquely Northland’ festival will be back in 2021

The organiser of the Bay of Islands Music Festival hopes to build the event up into an eclectic, one-of-a-kind concert drawing music fans from around the country.

That’s all for this month. We’ll be back at the end of November with more updates. If you want to stay up-to-date in real time, please subscribe to our Industry News Bulletin.