Silver Wave Yacht Charters, based in the stunning Bay of Islands, offers bespoke luxury sailing experiences aboard its two luxury catamarans — Serenity and Cool Change.

Serenity, a spacious three-deck vessel, accommodates up to 20 day guests or 8 overnight, with four ensuite staterooms, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a solid foredeck lounge perfect for soaking in panoramic views.

Cool Change is a striking, performance-driven sailing catamaran featuring distinctive bi-plane rigging and generous capacity — accommodating up to 40 guests by day or 6 overnight. Her expansive foredeck, spacious cockpit, and comfortable interior make her an exceptional choice for larger groups, special events, and immersive full-day or multi-day adventures.

Whether you’re after a half-day escape exploring twin lagoons, a full-day cruise with snorkelling, paddleboarding, and gourmet chef-prepared meals, or a multi-day adventure through crystal-clear waters and historic shores, Silver Wave delivers exceptional service, professional crew, and all the water toys you need for an unforgettable getaway.

Star Trip Ltd, established in 2018 and based in Auckland, New Zealand, is a professional travel company offering tailor-made private tours, inbound group handling services, and short-term study programs. We specialize in personalized travel experiences, educational exchanges, and high-quality ground services for families, student groups, and business delegations from around the world.

Tourism Export Council of New Zealand Award Finalists

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand is delighted to announce the Finalists for the 2025 TECNZ Operator of the Year Awards and YoungTEC Awards.

Nominated by TECNZ members, these awards recognise businesses and individuals who have shown excellence in terms of quality, professional development, health and safety, sustainability, business systems and outstanding visitor experiences by peers within the industry.

Winners will be announced at the TECNZ Awards Dinner, Wednesday 6 August in the Bay of Islands as part of the TECNZ Conference. We wish all Finalists all the very best.

Finalists Inbound Operator of the Year: Large

• ID Tours New Zealand
• Leisure Time Group
• The Travel Corporation (AAT Kings & Contiki)

Finalists Inbound Operator of the Year: Medium

• Ahipara Travel
• Master Travel Group

Finalists Allied Operator of the Year: Large

• Distinction Hotels
• RealNZ
• Cheeky Kiwi Travel

Finalists Allied Operator of the Year: Medium

• Alpine Luxury Tours
• On The Point – Rotorua

Finalists Allied Operator of the Year: Small

• Beachcomber Cruises

Finalists Good Sort of the Year

• Adam Taylor-Eruera, Te Puia
• Julia Savill, Grand Pacific Tours
• Louise Frend, Unique Stays and Experiences

Each year two YoungTEC members are recognised with awards, one for YoungTEC Rising Star and the other for the YoungTEC International Development Leadership Development. We’re pleased to announce the finalists for these two awards.

Leadership Development Award

• Ryan Wilmshurst, Maverick Digital
• Santos McKenzie, Hobbiton Movie Set
• Cameron Soulsby, RealNZ

Rising Star Award

• Brook Hibbert, RealNZ
• Cam Mitchell, RealNZ Cardrona x Treble Cone
• Dan McKenna, Wētā Workshop

For more information please contact: Lynda Keene, CEO Tourism Export Council of NZ, 027 6644 836

Escape Aviation, the premier tourism portfolio of Helisika, which is based in New Zealand’s Central North Island and specialises in luxury helicopter experiences. We offer a range of services, including scenic flights that showcase New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes—volcanic wonders, lush forests, and pristine lakes. Additionally, we provide private air charters and transfers by helicopter, servicing not only the Central North Island but the entire country.

For adventure seekers, we offer access to remote locations perfect for hunting, fishing, hiking, and heli-biking. Escape Aviation also presents two exclusive remote stay options: the luxurious Owhaoko Cabin, Te Whare Ruruhau, a two-bedroom cabin accessible only by helicopter, and the immersive Sunshine Safari glamping tent steps away from the Waipakihi River, offering total solitude and a complete escape into nature. For those seeking indulgence, we provide luxury wine and dining tours to premium vineyards.

With a strong focus on tourism, adventure, and luxury travel, Escape Aviation takes the trusted name of Helisika to new heights.

Antipodes Travel, based in Dunedin since 2004, is a boutique travel company specialising in tailor-made itineraries for French-speaking visitors to New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific. We design both self-drive tours and guided experiences, including our own exclusive tour series. We cater to couples, families, small groups, and special interest travellers, such as photographers, trampers, bird-watchers and those with disabilities.

In addition to custom itineraries for French speakers, we also offer day and multi-day tours in Dunedin and the wider region — such as photography workshops and walking tours—in both French and English.

TECNZ NZ Buyer & Seller Trade Event 2025 Lifts Off

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) is thrilled to officially welcome over 380 attendees to the TECNZ NZ Buyer & Seller Trade Event 2025 consisting of 105 tourism businesses (182 Sellers) set to showcase their offerings and to over 170 Inbound Tour Operators staff over the next two days.

Taking place in at the Viaduct Events Centre, Auckland on 9 and 10 April, this premier New Zealand based event will bring together the best of the tourism products New Zealand has to offer to enable Inbound operators to sell New Zealand products and experiences to their offshore clients (travel agents and tour wholesalers).

With the evolving landscape of global travel, TECNZ has reimagined this flagship event to deliver even greater opportunities for networking, knowledge-sharing, and business growth. Attendees can expect strategic business appointments, and exclusive insights into emerging tourism products.

“The 2025 Trade Event is a milestone for our industry to ensure New Zealand remains a world-class travel destination,” said Lynda Keene, CE of TECNZ. “This year’s evolved and standalone event reflects our commitment to providing a platform that fosters meaningful connections, drives business opportunities for our members, and strengthens our country’s position on the global tourism stage.”

The TECNZ NZ Buyer & Seller Trade Event 2025 is expected to reinforce New Zealand’s reputation as a leader in sustainable and high-value tourism across all markets and segments.

The event will also host guest representatives from the Department of Conservation, Immigration New Zealand, Qualmark and NZ Māori Tourism. CE of TECNZ Lynda Keene said, “Inviting key stakeholders to have a presence at the event also creates an opportunity for the industry to engage with government departments to share their thoughts and insights on numerous matters affecting future changes that can support or inhibit growth opportunities.”

Our thanks also go to our strategic partners who support the event: Christchurch Airport, Auckland Airport, NZ Māori Tourism, Auckland Conventions, Venues and Events, Interislander and Great Journeys New Zealand.

The Vicarage Geraldine offers boutique accommodation comprising six superking ensuite rooms and shared sitting rooms in a fully refurbished historic building in the centre of beautiful Geraldine. Ideally located in a vibrant country town which is a popular destination for New Zealand visitors, now offering our international visitors a quintessentially New Zealand experience between Christchurch and Tekapo/Mt Cook.

True South Flights is a team of pilots and administrative staff, led by Peter Daniell who has been running True South Flights since 2012. Although we have grown since then, expanding our fleet and our business offering, we’ve retained our small-business sense of personalised customer service. We pride ourselves on having the best customer service of all the scenic flight operators out of Queenstown, and our goal is to provide a seamless and positive experience which will be the highlight of your holiday.

Kiwi Journeys is your gateway to unforgettable cycling adventures across New Zealand’s South Island.

As a family-run business with over a decade of experience, we specialise in creating seamless cycling experiences across three stunning regions—Nelson, the West Coast, and Central Otago. We’ve honed our craft and now operate on six of New Zealand’s Great Ride Trails, including the Great Taste Trail, West Coast Wilderness Trail, Lake Dunstan Trail, Otago Rail Trail, Roxburgh Gorge, and Clutha Gold Trail, plus the newly opened Kawatiri Coastal Trail. Whether you’re seeking adventure or peaceful exploration, our expertly crafted itineraries promise rich experiences through diverse landscapes—from lush forests to golden beaches. Immerse yourself in New Zealand’s vibrant culture, discover charming towns, and indulge in world-class local cuisine and wine. From one-day to multi-day cycling journeys, we offer it all. As a Qualmark Gold-endorsed operator, we’re committed to safety and excellence, with five-star reviews reflecting our dedication. Our team ensures seamless journeys with premium bikes, including e-bikes, accommodation, seamless shuttles, route planning, and reliable support. At Kiwi Journeys, we make every cycling adventure effortless, memorable, and extraordinary. Start your journey today and explore New Zealand at your own pace.