Tourism
Featherston, a fairy tale of reinvention
In the space of a decade the Wairarapa town of Featherston has reinvented itself, from a broken down P-plagued problem place, to a vibrant reading centre Audio
Eatery's outdoor dining fees hiked 1500 percent
After years keeping costs flat in the wake of Covid, Queenstown's council has changed what it charges bars and restaurants to use public space for al fresco dining. Audio
Queenstown 'definitely should rethink' outdoor dining fees - Restaurant Association
President Mike Egan told Checkpoint the amount Queenstown Lakes District Council is charging is "excessive", "way over the top", and "unfair". Audio
China's new panda diplomats touch down in DC
One's got a big appetite, the other's a bit of an introvert. Washington welcomes a new set of pandas from Beijing for the first time in 24 years.
History with Dr Grant Morris: a history visit to Dunedin
Dr Grant discusses Dunedin's unique place in our nation's history. Audio
Whangārei hopes for cruise ship numbers to keep floating higher
The number of vessels calling in to the northern city is going from zero last year to four next season - and possibly as many as 30 by 2044. Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Thursday 3 October 2024
In today's episode, Dunedin's Civil Defence bunker is being activated as the region prepares for very heavy rain, the latest census data shows one in 20 New Zealanders identifies as part of the… Audio
Air NZ defends cuts to flight routes and capacity
It is blaming less public servant travel and mechanical issues for the loss of seats, among other issues. Audio
LGNZ welcome increase to tourist levy
Local Government New Zealand argues that ratepayers have to cough up for the cost of tourists, and calls on the government to distribute the $65 increase charges as ringfenced funding to councils that… Audio
Off the beaten track tourism sustains two generations of sheep
Dome glamping, farm tours and jetting up the Hurunui River supplements income and highlights cultural heritage at a traditional sheep and beef farm in North Canterbury. Audio
Travelling over the school holidays? Here's what you need to know
There are ferries out of action, but the weather's looking relatively settled for the next week - although Waka Kotahi warns drivers to take care..
Wellington bookings chocka, ahead of big events weekend
Accommodation in the capital this weekend is booked up due to a double whammy of the World of Wearable Arts and an All Blacks game. Audio
Northern Express adds dining experience: 'Come and explore Ruapehu with us'
Ruapehu officials are hoping it will help boost tourism in the region.
New dining experience introduced on Northern Express
Ruapehu officials are hoping a new dining experience on the Northern Express will help boost tourism in the region. The scenic train which runs between Wellington and Auckland has introduced a… Audio
Councils in Northland welcome increased tourist tax
Councils in Northland hope the increased tourist tax will ease the burden on ratepayers. Felix Walton has more. Audio
Queenstown told its freedom camping rules are invalid
The Queenstown Lakes District Council's Freedom Camping Bylaw has been ruled invalid, following a judicial review.
Fears over spin-off effects of unreliable ferries
Continued problems on ferries are making holiday-makers and tourists nervous, Marlborough's Chamber of Commerce says.
Heading Off: Treats of Taupo
Fleur Wolstenholme arrived in Taupo as an 18-year-old from the UK and never left. Since then, she's helped put the central North Island town on the food map. She created treat,nz, celebrating Taupo's… Audio
New charge for overseas visitors to Te Papa met with positive response
Those visiting from New Zealand are able to enter straight away while those visiting from overseas now have to pay a $35 entry fee.
Trans-Tasman flights to return to Hamilton, Dunedin airports
Jetstar will operate flights from Hamilton to Australia after 13 years, and Dunedin will have a direct service to Gold Coast.
