The Terrace Café – outdoor ambience at Auckland’s premier performing arts centre
Alfresco dining in the heart of the Auckland Arts Quarter has arrived for summer at The Terrace Cafe – the inner-city café and bar with some of the best views and food in town at the Aotea Centre.

The iconic Aotea Centre is home to New Zealand’s largest tiered theatre – the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre – and The Terrace Café (previously BOX Café and Bar) is the hub where Auckland audiences, performers, and the arts community meet over coffee, breakfast and brunch, pre-or post-show drinks, and delicious lunches and dinners.
Situated overlooking Aotea Square, The Terrace is a sun-soaked outdoor oasis perfect for settling under an umbrella and tucking into a fresh new menu brimming with the season’s tastiest seafood, salads, pizzas, burgers and more.
Indoor seating offers a front row view of the Aotea Centre’s foyer collection of artworks by some of New Zealand’s best-known artists, including Dick Frizzell, Terry Stringer, and Lisa Reihana. Outdoors, the Square is alive with the Auckland Live Digital Stage, iconic public artworks by Selwyn Muru and Toby Twiss, arts activity, performances, and seasonal festivals and events.

With a new chef, new kitchen, and welcoming staff passionate about the performing arts, The Terrace takes a refreshed approach to relaxing with friends, family, and colleagues amidst an environment rich with culture.
We hope to see you under an umbrella soon!

The Terrace Café opening hours:
Mon, Tue 7.30 am – 4 pm
Wed – Fri 7.30 am – 8 pm
Sat & Sun CLOSED
Happy Hour Wed – Fri 4 pm – 6 pm

LEISURE TIME TRAVEL RELEASE NEW ZEALAND BROCHURE WITH LARGEST TOUR PROGRAMME EVER
New Zealand tour operator Leisure Time Travel has launched a new travel brochure featuring their largest domestic touring programme in the company’s 30+ year history.

The tours have been specifically designed for New Zealand travellers with something to suit all tastes. From enlightening short breaks to a wide range of special interest tours throughout both the North and South Islands.
Managing Director Scott Mehrtens said the company had designed the touring programme to allow New Zealanders to explore some off the beaten path destinations or enjoy truly diverse holiday experiences.
“We’ve taken our existing New Zealand touring schedule and really ramped it up for 2021. Our team put lots of new ideas on the whiteboard and then eagerly set about designing some amazing offerings for the domestic New Zealand market.”

One of the largest sections in the brochure is that featuring a wide variety of Special Interest Tours. Options include gardens, walking, aviation or rail themed tours – through to cycling, wine, food, historic homes and tours featuring special events such as Napier’s Art Deco Festival, Wings over Wairarapa, Hokitika Wild Food Festival, Wheels at Wanaka, the Burt Munro Challenge and much more.

Also new for 2021 is the Value Tour Range, offering a selection of itineraries and durations across New Zealand all providing quality coach touring, accommodation with daily breakfasts, and the freedom to select activities and dining options to suit tastes and budgets.

The full brochure can be viewed online via Leisure Time Travel’s website or hard copies can be sent out if requested.
The company will be presenting more details on the new touring programme during a series of regional travel information evenings in November. Events are currently planned for Hamilton, Auckland and Tauranga with expressions of interest being taken for other locations. For event details and to register please visit www.leisuretimetravel.co.nz/events

ABOUT LEISURE TIME TRAVEL
Leisure Time Travel is a family-owned business that has operated New Zealand tours for over 30 years. Their coach tours offer the opportunity to share your journey with like-minded travellers, while enjoying onboard commentaries and assistance from our experienced and knowledgeable driver guides. Leisure Time Travel own and operate their own fleet of coaches which are built and maintained to a very high standard, ensuring passengers have a comfortable, safe and reliable journey whilst enjoying the beautiful scenery. An added bonus when travelling on a Leisure Time coach tour is that wherever possible they provide roadside morning teas, giving a relaxing opportunity for passengers to mix and mingle over a hot cuppa sharing experiences as they travel.
Travellers from select Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga and Rotorua postcodes can take advantage of complimentary door to door home collections and drop offs, with other home collections available on request for a surcharge. Other benefits of booking a tour with Leisure Time Travel:

– GUARANTEED DEPARTURES – many tours are 100% guaranteed to run and are not reliant on reaching a minimum number of passengers
– EARLY BIRD OFFER – most tours have an Early Bird discount when passengers book and pay in full at least 120 days prior to departure
– GUARANTEED TWIN SHARE PRICE – for those passengers willing to share with another single traveller of the same gender. If there is not another single traveller to match up with Leisure Time Travel GUARANTEE the same twinshare price with no single supplement
– SMALL GROUP TOURS – a number of short breaks and tours offering intimate and flexible travelling with no more than 18 passengers on board.
Each tour also indicates the activity level requirements (from easy to active) to enable travellers to easily find options that suit their abilities and preferences.
For more information visit www.leisuretimetravel.co.nz or contact info@lttnz.co.nz Freephone 0800 534 787
Link to online brochure: https://www.leisuretimetours.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Leisure-Time-Travel-NZ-Tours-20-21-brochure-WEB-VERSION.pdf

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Media Contact: Vicki Annison, Sales & Marketing Manager, Leisure Time Group +64 27 443 5512 vicki @lttnz.co.nz
IMAGE: Cover of 2020-2021 New Zealand Travel Brochure

Regional tourism organisation promoting the South Island’s Hurunui region, a picturesque region encompassing endless sandy coastlines, historic villages, New Zealand’s alpine spa village Hanmer Springs and Christchurch’s wine region, Waipara Valley.

Venture Taranaki launch ‘Taranaki – Just around the corner’ domestic tourism campaign

This week, Venture Taranaki launched its domestic campaign, designed to attract visitation to the region. The digital campaign ‘Taranaki – Just around the corner’ is set to encourage out-of-town visitation to support the region’s COVID-19 recovery and promote Taranaki’s vibrant arts, events and outdoor attractions this spring and summer.

The ‘Taranaki – Just around the corner’ digital campaign will run in bursts of activity over the next two months, targeting the 50-plus age group. Key flight and drive-journey markets have been targeted, such as Auckland, Wellington, Bay of Plenty and Manawatu-Whanganui.

Tourism spend within Taranaki totalled $380 million in the year ending August 2020, of which 80% came from domestic tourism.

“Almost 80 per cent of visitors to Taranaki are from New Zealand; we are set up for domestic visitors. Our tourism, accommodation and hospitality operators are ready and waiting to welcome New Zealanders to the region with open arms,” Justine continues.

The campaign highlights Taranaki’s stunning landscapes, range of outdoor adventure and activities, vibrant arts and dining scene, and a jam-packed spring and summer event line-up. The region’s experiences will showcase across a digital and social media campaign, print and editorial and partnership activity.

Taranaki is in a unique location between Taranaki Maunga and the ocean. The region is easily accessible, only a short flight away or less than 4 hours to drive from most areas in the North Island.

“The ‘Just around the corner’ messaging is all about inspiring people to have the perfect getaway, reunite with their passions and discover the beauty and vibrancy of Taranaki – only a short distance away,” explains Vicki.

“We have so much going on in the region to offer visitors, with the Taranaki Garden Festival kicking off later this month alongside a multitude of art, entertainment and food festival events. Not to mention the iconic TSB Festival of Lights and the Bowl of Brooklands hosting some of New Zealand’s top kiwi music artists throughout January,” says Vicki.

Other out-of-region activity driven by Venture Taranaki is a Taranaki Spring Escape competition that featured on TV3’s The Café and a targeted Air New Zealand promotion with the opportunity to win an exciting Taranaki summer experience.

All campaign activity aims to continue to build regional awareness and position Taranaki as a vibrant destination with high-quality attractions, facilities, activities and events.

Further information: Sophie Kelly, Senior Communications and Marketing Adviser.

sophie@venture.org.nz or 022 352 9851.

MEDIA RELEASE
1 OCTOBER 2020

AUCKLAND: Today signals the beginning of a new era for the Britomart precinct, with The Hotel Britomart officially opening its doors to guests. Bringing a vibrant new combination of food, retail, and beautifully crafted accommodation to downtown waterfront Auckland, The Hotel Britomart demonstrates the very best the city has to offer.

Designed by Cheshire Architects, the 10-floor hotel on Galway Street in the Britomart precinct offers 99 guest rooms and an even more premium stay in its five Landing Suites, which bring the luxurious coastal flavour of The Landing in the Bay of Islands to the centre of the bustling Britomart neighbourhood.

The Hotel Britomart is locally designed, built and owned. It’s a place that does detail like no other, with interior timber accents and an exterior of hand-made bricks, organic cotton sheets and built-in sofas, hand-crafted vases and a mini-library of New Zealand books in every room and suite.

Some of the hotel rooms have panoramic views of the Waitematā Harbour, while others take in vistas of the city skyline or of bustling Takutai Square in the heart of the Britomart neighbourhood.

“The Hotel Britomart aims to provide a sanctuary so calm that the only challenge you will face is uncurling yourself from the comfort of your room to enjoy all that downtown Auckland has to offer,” says Clinton Farley, The Hotel
Britomart General Manager.

As New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star hotel, certified by the New Zealand Green Building Council, The Hotel Britomart is sustainable from the ground up.

“Our guests can rest easy in their compostable hotel slippers knowing that the environmental heavy lifting is being done for them,” says Farley.

The Hotel Britomart’s commitment to sustainability isn’t just about making the building efficient. It’s also about supporting local economies and showcasing the work of local artisans, businesses, designers, and regional producers.

With a focus on sustainable seafood, kingi – a brilliant all-day restaurant in the atmospheric laneway of the heritage Masonic Building (right next door to The Hotel Britomart), will be the new spot for locals and visitors alike.

“We wanted our diners to be able to come to kingi and not spend the earth. There’s no pressure, it’s a neighbourhood home away from home,” says kingi Executive Chef, Tom Hishon.

“What was really appealing about bringing kingi to Britomart was the idea of being part of the long-term vision for Auckland. It’s the chance for us to be part of something bigger than just our restaurant,” says Hishon.

Imagined by Cooper and Company, the team behind the rejuvenation of the Britomart neighbourhood since 2003, The Hotel Britomart project also involved the refurbishment of three adjacent heritage buildings, and the creation of a new plant-filled, pedestrian-friendly laneway connecting Galway and Customs Streets.

This intimate cobblestone walkway is open to the public and filled with outdoor seating, a cosy fireplace, and the theatre of Tom’s open preparation kitchen.

Just a few steps from the hotel lobby are the sunny plant-lined streets and historic warehouses of the Britomart neighbourhood, which house an unforgettable array of the country’s best restaurants, bars, boutiques and cafes.
Book your city staycation at The Hotel Britomart now .
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The Hotel Britomart‘s signature Britomart Black Card Package includes a $50 Britomart Black Card for each night booked that can be spent at any one of the 65+ restaurants, bars and retailers in the Britomart neighbourhood. In addition, booking with the promo code BLACKCARD enables guests to enjoy 15% off the fully flexible rate at the time of reservation.
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What’s in a name: The Hotel Britomart (The hotel name cannot be shortened)
Lead in Rate: $349 NZD
Website: https://thehotelbritomart.com/
Images:
Background: https://britomart.org/were-building-the-hotel-britomart/
Sustainability: https://britomart.org/about/#sustainability
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For more information, contact:
Kevin Mitchell-Sisler at DARK HORSE
Magdalen Drummond at DARK HORSE
Jodi Clark , Head of PR at TFE Hotels

About the TFE Hotels Collection
The Hotel Britomart is part of the TFE Hotels Collection and will be managed by TFE Hotels on behalf of Cooper and Company. Cooper and Company is the asset and development manager for the Britomart Group, which holds a contract for the long-term ownership and development of the Britomart Precinct.

The TFE Hotels Collection represents beautiful hotels hallmarked by authenticity and provenance, each designed with individual character and charm. With a collection of properties that encompass striking design and attention to the individual such as The Calile Hotel Brisbane, Melbourne’s The Savoy Hotel on Little Collins and Hotel Kurrajong Canberra. The Hotel Britomart embodies these concepts while remaining proudly a product of its unique location.

Ziptrek Ecotours is stoked to announce, in time for school holidays, that it is again a carbon neutral business ensuring its guests can experience the thrill of ziplining guilt free.

Ziptrek again commissioned the independent assessment by the good people at Ekos for its financial year 2019-20 with Ziptrek’s total carbon calculation being  17.48tCO2.  As a citizen in business Ziptrek Ecotours are committed to being part of the solution so they continue to take big steps by designing out the use of energy and then offsetting their carbon (and equivalents) from all of its business operation with contribution to two projects this year.   These were the Rarakau Rainforest Conservation Project in Southland which is used for conservation management and landowner community development in Southland and Kānuka Hill Uruwhenua Native Regeneration Project.

It is Ziptrek’s hope that through more of its region’s businesses choosing to become carbon neutral, that local biodiversity projects could be enabled from even closer to their source, here in Queenstown.  “I think that our communities are increasingly seeing carbon neutrality as being a non-negotiable part of undertaking business.” says Trent Yeo, Owner/Director of Ziptrek Ecotours in Queenstown.

Ziptrek was designed to be an extremely low environmental footprint from conception but, as in all audits, they chose an external partner, Ekos – what Trent calls a “carbon accountant” – to formally assess Ziptrek’s carbon footprint.   “I see us as recreational athletes, we’re doing a pretty good job already but if we want to go to the Olympics we’ll need a coach to go higher” says Trent.

Since the financial year 2019 began they have been ensuring all travel on flights with Air New Zealand are also offset with the national carrier as part of their policy of travel, in line with their FlyNeutral carbon offset programme.  They have also chosen an electricity retailer Ecotricity  which are 49% community owned, 100% renewable and also certified carbon neutral, to further increase their green partnerships.

Ziptrek Queenstown are continuing to look at ways to reduce their carbon emissions and the need to travel in the first instance.   “We have and will continue undertake webinar training sessions rather than needing to travel to events as part of our tourism endeavors and we have included ways for our staff to be rewarded for biking to work rather than by driving.  This is additional to the gravity fed activity and sustainable story we provide our guests and tell on each tour, allowing us to truly walk the talk” continues Trent.

The 5000+ trees/shrubs/grasses planted on their course area at Bob’s Peak and the local area, in partnership with Wakatipu Reforestation Trust are a biodiversity bonus as they are not calculated as part of the carbon count.

“Ziptrek has always pushed itself to deliver what we see as sustainable or regenerative tourism and every day, I think we get a little bit better,” says Owner/Director Trent Yeo.

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For further media information or imagery:

Contact  Trent Yeo or Nicky Busst

021 721 901 tyeo@ziptrek.com/ 027 721 9017  nbusst@ziptrek.com

Air New Zealand grounds 777 fleet until September 2021

Air New Zealand has grounded its Boeing 777 fleet until at least September 2021 due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19.

In May the airline grounded the majority of its seven 777-300 aircraft until the end of the 2020 calendar year. At the same time the company also signalled it was unlikely to fly its eight 777-200 aircraft in the foreseeable future and began preparing to send these into long term storage overseas.

Four of Air New Zealand’s 777-300 aircraft will be stored in Victorville in the Californian desert, while the remaining three will stay in Auckland where they are able to be returned to service if required. The airline’s 777-200 aircraft will be sent to long-term storage facilities in both Roswell, New Mexico and Victorville, California from later this month.

The North American locations were chosen for their arid conditions and existing storage facilities which will ensure aircraft are kept in a condition that will enable them to be returned to service within six to eight weeks if required.

Air New Zealand Chief Operating Officer Carrie Hurihanganui says the recovery of the airline’s international network post-COVID-19 is now looking to be slower than initially thought.

“The recent resurgence of cases in New Zealand is a reminder that this is a highly volatile situation. We are not anticipating a return to any 777 flying until September 2021 at the earliest, which is why we have made the decision to ground the fleet until at least this time next year.

The 777s are the largest aircraft in Air New Zealand’s fleet and have operated the majority of the airline’s long haul routes over the past 15 years. The airline’s international schedule will be operated by the more fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, along with A320s and A320/21neos for trans-Tasman and Pacific Island routes.

One of Air New Zealand’s 777-200 aircraft, ZK-OKG, parked up in Auckland. Click here to download a hi-res copy of the image

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Issued by Air New Zealand Communications.

Email: media@airnz.co.nz  │  Phone: +64 21 747 320  │  Twitter: @AirNZMedia

Holiday Inn Express supports community – embraces Winter Pride

Queenstown’s Holiday Inn Express & Suites has only been open seven weeks, but has jumped ‘boots and all’ into community events.

This week its proud sponsor of the Winter Pride On-Mountain Series, an explosion of colour across three mountains incorporating the famous Onesie Day, Ski Charity Race Day and the Pride Ski Flag Parade.

Holiday Inn Express signed up to support Winter Pride nearly a year ago, with the hotel only half-way to completion at the time.

Fast-forward to this week and the Holiday Inn Express team has been on the snow, celebrating some of the best spring skiing in years and having fun with LGBTTIA+ visitors from all around New Zealand.

Hotel General Manager Jason Sabin says he and his team have been “beaming ear to ear” all week.

“It’s been great to see the return of Aucklanders and the rest of New Zealand to their favourite fun destination,” he says.

“Yes we’re operating under Level 2 and yes it would have been great to welcome Australian visitors too, but Martin and his Winter Pride organisers and volunteers have done an amazing job.

“The icing on the cake for him and us was the amazing snowfalls and cold temperatures we’ve had in the last few days.

“The skiing and snowboarding has been outstanding, thanks to Coronet Peak, Cardrona and The Remarkables. A highlight for us was supporting the Ski Charity Race which raises funds for the Wakatipu Youth Trust, a not-for-profit working alongside young people in Queenstown.

“We’ve loved every minute and will definitely be back next year!”

Winter Pride festival director Martin King says that in these extraordinary times, support for the festival is “critical” to its survival.

“Holiday Inn Express has been super-engaged and supportive, and them staying with us and standing up for the event at this time has been vital,” he says.

With snow coating the mountains and a brand-new hotel ready and waiting, the timing’s perfect to check out opening special deals still available throughout September and the school holidays (September 26 to October 11).

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown is a 227-room hotel on the corner of Stanley and Sydney Streets, just a short stroll from the resort town’s vibrant centre.

The hotel’s room offering includes spacious suites – a Holiday Inn Express ‘first’ in New Zealand and Australia – in addition to superior rooms with breath taking views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range.

It has a warm, stylish vibe, complete with an outdoor lounge with firepit. It’s also equipped with the smart, simple rooms and in-room features that leisure and business travellers have come to know and love.

The hotel delivers on features the Holiday Inn Express brand has become renowned for including an Express Start breakfast, power showers, black-out blinds, high-quality bedding with a choice of pillows and uncapped Wi-Fi.

There’s also a fitness room, sauna, two flexible meeting rooms, self-serve laundry, dry room, onsite parking and a free business centre.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Queenstown is the first and only hotel under the Holiday Inn Express brand in New Zealand to date.

For further media information please contact:

Fiona Woodham

Southern PR

M: 0274 313 270

E: Fiona@southernpr.co.nz

TECNZ pleased industry has been heard, but consistency needed

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) is pleased the Government has listened to the industry and will offer loans to 26 Inbound Tour Operators (ITOs) from the Strategic Tourism Assets Protection Programme.

“The confirmation that the Government will offer loans to 26 ITOs, rather than the initial number of 10 ITOs proposed, and on better conditions than was originally discussed, is pleasing, and will allow these businesses to remain operational,” says Chief Executive Lynda Keene.

“We have been urging the Government to widen the scope of its funding for ITOs, so we are grateful there has been some change from the original proposal.

“We see these loans as being an investment in the future of securing New Zealand’s $17 billion international tourism export earnings when the New Zealand border reopens. However, it is likely, not all inbound operators will take up the offer, because they currently have no income coming in.

“We will continue to advocate for ITOs to be offered grants, or alternative funding mechanisms over the upcoming months to help them keep their businesses afloat. This will ensure inbound tourism operators are treated the same way as other parts of the sector. That way the entire tourism sector will be on the same footing, and able to work together in planning for the future.

“ITOs are a crucial part of the tourism sector. Their role is to feed the tourism eco-system and connect international visitors with local companies. These operators hold valuable commercial business to business relationships with offshore tour wholesalers that will be critical for the recovery of the wider sector in the future.”

Pre-COVID, 55% of all international visitors were booked through trade (offshore) and Inbound Tour Operators in New Zealand. This equates to $9.4 billion of the $17.2 billion that international tourism export receipts earned for the New Zealand economy.

“A New Zealand tourism industry without ITOs would be at a huge disadvantage when borders re-open. High value visitors rely on reputable companies with a long track record in the industry. Having the opportunity to keep some of these companies in business is a step forward. Now we need to work together to ensure New Zealand is ready to welcome visitors once again to support our broader economy,” says Ms Keene.

About TECNZ

The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) is a trade association that represents the interests of the inbound tourism industry since 1971. Its membership includes inbound tour operators (Inbound Members) and attraction, activity, accommodation, transport suppliers, regional tourism organisations and tourism services providers (Allied Members).

TECNZ members collectively handle most of New Zealand’s international visitor arrivals. www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz.

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