Go Orange at it again – Milford Haven stands out from the crowd at Milford Sound

Boat renovations, a string of awards and a brand-new menu launch just in time for summer — Milford Sound’s most celebrated scenic cruise boat is going above and beyond.

The new-look Milford Haven from Go Orange has launched into its second season with a new menu and award-winning brews from sister company Canyon Brewing Queenstown.

Travellers on board Haven can now choose from a freshly-cooked café-style menu with vegan and vegetarian options.

They can dig into cooked-to-order fish burgers or a crispy tofu roti generously covered with toppings, or browse a patisserie section filled with cakes and sweet treats paired with barista-made coffee.

Breakfasts and lunches are catered for and can be enjoyed inside, upstairs or out on picnic-style benches on the top deck.

For those who fancy a tipple, an artisan cheeseboard including some of New Zealand’s favourite cheeses is paired perfectly with a Mount Rosa 2019 rosé.

The Milford Haven is the only boat in in Milford Sound offering made-to-order menu items and café-style table service, standing out from the crowd with its marriage of impeccable design and outstanding hospitality.

The Haven features velvet-soft seating in jewel-like shades, café-style booths, eye-catching artwork, chilled music, and an AstroTurf top deck with wooden bench seating, an outdoor bar and 360-degree views.

“We’ve created a whole new model of how guests can experience Milford, and they’re loving it!” says Cruise Experience Manager Tim Wells.

“The fiord hasn’t changed for hundreds of years but we have, delivering a cruise experience that goes above and beyond in creating the perfect day out for our guests.

“We know we’re getting it right, with nearly 25% growth in guest numbers last year and rave reviews.”

Earlier this year Go Orange was named Fiordland Tourism Operator Of The Year as a result of the work put into Milford Haven and its Fiordland experience. Go Orange also won the Best Activity New Zealand award in the 2019 Adventure Tourism Awards across Australia and New Zealand.

For further media information or high-res images please contact:

Fiona Woodham

Southern PR – Account Manager

M: 0274 313 270

E: fiona@southernpr.co.nz

Next steps on plastic waste

The Government will phase out more single-use plastics following the success of its single-use plastic bag ban earlier this year and the recent release of a pivotal report for dealing with waste.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has welcomed the Rethinking Plastics in Aotearoa New Zealand report, released by her Chief Science Advisor Prof Juliet Gerrard.

Highlighting there is more we can do and our next steps to tackle plastic waste include:

Setting goals to shift away from low-value and hard-to-recycle plastic
Our first target will be to move away from single-use packaging and beverage containers made of hard-to-recycle PVC and polystyrene.
Stimulate innovation and development of solutions to the soft plastic problem
Accelerate work with local government and industry on better and more consistent kerbside collection of recyclables

Associate Minister for the Environment Eugenie Sage said the report reaffirms and extends the Government’s ambitious plan to reduce waste, which includes:

A container return scheme for drink bottles and cans
Regulated product stewardship schemes for tough waste issues such as e-waste, tyres and batteries
A National Resource Recovery work programme in response to China and other countries’ bans on importing waste and recyclables
Improving waste data
Expanding and improving the landfill levy to help fund more ways to recover, re-use and reprocess materials
A $40 million Provincial Growth Fund investment to turn plastic waste into useful material for businesses and consumers.

It is emphasised that a lot of this plastic waste doesn’t need to be created in the first place.

To enhance New Zealand as a sustainable visitor destination the goal must be to make Aotearoa an economy where plastic rarely becomes waste or pollution.

The Rethinking Plastics report is due to be confirmed within six months. Read more here.

Wairakei Resort Taupo have appointed renowned Executive Chef Jason Lewis to lead the team across the resort’s various food and beverage outlets.

Mr Lewis has a reputable name in the Taupo region having run the kitchen at Bistro Lago for Hilton Hotel and worked in various consulting positions within the region. For the previous five years Mr Lewis has been teaching culinary arts at Toi Ohomai institute of technology.

Wairakei Resort Marketing Manager Ash Palmer says the team are very fortunate to have landed such an exceptional talent.

“We are very excited to have Jason on board,” says Mr Palmer. “He’s got a fantastic reputation and there are a lot of local fans in Taupo who will be excited to learn that he will be curating our menus and delivering the exceptional food that he has become known for.”

“He has already created a concept summer menu that looks delicious and is in the process of enhancing our Friday and Saturday Night Market to ensure that it is even better than it was in previous years.”

Prior to moving to Taupo Mr Lewis was managing culinary television personality Simon Gault’s Pravda Restaurant in Wellington. It was Simon Gault who first asked if Mr Lewis would be interested in moving to Taupo as Executive Chef for the recently opened Bistro Lago.

“It was an absolute pleasure to spend seven years working under Simon Gault who is definitely one of New Zealand’s top chefs,” says Mr Lewis. “His innovative approach in the kitchen helped to shape me as a chef and I look forward to bringing new flavours and ideas to the plate here at Wairakei in one of Taupo’s top restaurants.”

With a passion for sustainability, mentoring and tapping into the talents of the team around him, Mr Lewis is the perfect candidate to take Wairakei Resort’s cuisine to the next level.

“As a Qualmark gold property Wairakei Resort is already on the right path when it comes to sustainable thinking, but I have a number of creative ideas about how the kitchen can further improve its environmental footprint,” says Mr Lewis.

As a leader and a family man Mr Lewis is passionate about putting people first which draws talent to his kitchens wherever he goes.

“I am also excited to mentor and work with the diverse team at Wairakei and encourage them to bring their own ideas and cuisine from their backgrounds to the guests of the resort and the people of Taupo.”

– Ends –

Ash Palmer, Marketing Manager

Chateau Tongariro Hotel & Wairakei Resort Taupo

DDI: 07 374 9693 | M: 027 319 3299 | T: 07 374 9004

Tourism Export Council of NZ appoints new Chief Executive

The Board of the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) is delighted to announce that Lynda Keene has been appointed in the role of Chief Executive.

Anna Black, Board Chair of TECNZ says, “Lynda has extensive experience with inbound tourism, working with product suppliers and also experience in regional tourism development. There is a lot of learnings from her role at Destination Kaikōura that will be invaluable to other regions experiencing natural disasters and with challenging circumstances that can affect visitor flows”.

Some of Lynda’s previous roles have included working in hotel management (THC, Southern Pacific Hotels, now Intercontinental), former Chief Executive of Tourism Waikato, the Scottwood Trust and Nelson Tasman Tourism. She also has a strong consulting background previously working for Deloitte NZ, Tourism Business Advice (NZ), the United Nations World Tourism Organisation and South Asian Tourism Council. She has worked closely with local and central government agencies and has experience with advocacy and lobbying on key issues affecting the tourism industry.

Chair Anna Black says, “The industry is entering a period of change where international visitor arrivals are beginning to soften from some markets although it is encouraging that annual visitor spend continues to produce a positive result for New Zealand. Global trends suggest more travellers are expressing the need to see value in travelling to long-haul destinations to ensure carbon emissions are adequately offset and the visitor experience is heightened. We are mindful that careful messaging will be required by our full and allied members to allow New Zealand to continue to see growth in international arrivals and visitor spend”.

Lynda holds an MBA and is an accredited PR Practitioner. She began her career in tourism in 1981 and is a huge supporter of the YoungTEC programme as a former mentor and proponent of promoting tourism as a worthwhile career option for school leavers and those entering the tourism workforce. Lynda is of Ngāti Haua, Ngā Wairiki and Ngāti Apa Tuwharetoa descent and will start in the role early February 2020.

ENDS

About the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand

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.

For more information please contact:

Louisa Turner

Tourism Export Council of NZ

027 480 7252

Luxury awaits at the heart of Queenstown Trail network with Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa

A new destination has taken bike exploration of New Zealand’s prestigious wine growing region up a notch.

Opening its doors this month, Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa offers twenty-four boutique villas, a landmark lodge for dining and intimate wine experiences, and a private spa, giving trail riders a five-star layover on their journey.

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa has 130km of off-road biking trails at its doorstep – with the Gibbston River Trail section of the Queenstown Trail, one of ‘The Great Rides’, passing right past the property – and is set to become the beating heart of Central Otago’s burgeoning map of cycling trails.

News of the launch of the on-trail accommodation is being welcomed by Queenstown Trails Trust CEO Mark Williams.

“Central Otago’s network of off-road biking trails is steadily expanding, including the developing linkage between Clyde and Cromwell and future trails planned to connect Bannockburn and Gibbston, which will effectively link The Queenstown Trail with Central Otago’s iconic Rail Trail.”

“With Gibbston Valley at the very heart of this network, it’s exciting to have the Lodge & Spa open – adding a dimension of luxury for riders like we’ve never seen before”.

Guests can arrive at Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa knowing their every whim and need will be taken care of.

Relax with a glass of wine or soak away any aches and pains from the day’s ride, before indulging in a perfectly paired food and wine experience in the Lodge.

Then retreat to one of the sumptuously comfortable villas for a night of uninterrupted rest and relaxation before embarking on the next day’s adventure.

If it isn’t taking part in one of The Great Rides – a two-day or four-day cycling expedition throughout Queenstown, Arrowtown and Gibbston – then it’s the gentle pedal and relaxed pace that attracts so many riders of all skill level to Gibbston.

Ride a return loop from the Lodge & Spa to five neighbouring vineyards on a river trail that showcases the best of Queenstown wine country – or take one of the Lodge’s complimentary shuttles into Arrowtown for a one-way 16km trail ride back to Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, passing over the historic Kawarau Suspension Bridge, through Kawarau Gorge and into the ‘Valley of the Vines’ for the ultimate wine region day trip.

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa’s Bike Centre has 35 bikes available for guests to hire and a range to suit all levels of riding abilities, including e-bikes and hardtail bikes.

With an onsite repair shop and bike mechanic the Lodge is fully equipped to provide servicing and trouble shoot any flat tyres along the way.

Guests of the Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa are offered free hardtail bike rental during their stay.

“Encouraging guests of the Winery to explore our region by bicycle has always been a core endeavour of ours with the onsite Bike Centre, but with the new Lodge & Spa premises we can offer an incredibly luxurious level of respite to their journey.” Greg Hunt, CEO Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa

Luxury experience packages are available to book now at Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa including Ride the Vines. For further information and bookings go to https://www.gibbstonvalleylodgeandspa.com/.

For further media information or images please contact:

Fiona Woodham

Southern PR

E: fiona@southernpr.co.nz

M: 0274 313 270

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa – what you need to know

Villas feature 65m2 of private, open plan living space
Bathrooms feature a large walk-in shower, separate feature tub and dual basins
Complimentary bike use included for guests
Private wine tastings and intimate dinners available in the Lodge Cellar
Seasonal à la carte restaurant menu
Exciting range of wining, dining and leisure activities on the doorstep
Shuttles available for guests into Arrowtown and Queenstown
Spa features three private treatment rooms, a sauna, secluded hot pools and small gym
Just 20 minutes from Queenstown’s International Airport
Lodge & Spa designed by Queenstown architects Wyatt + Gray
Villa design by Space Studios

Young tourism leaders named as YoungTEC Award Winners

YoungTEC proudly announced the winners of their 2019 Excellence and Go with Tourism Rising Star awards. With a record breaking year of entries, these awards recognise the outstanding efforts and contribution of YoungTEC members to the development of New Zealand’s tourism industry.

Go with Tourism Rising Star Award

The winner and finalists are:

Ella Spittle, Southern Discoveries, Queenstown (Winner)
Zac Watson, ATEED, Auckland (Finalist)
Moerangi Vercoe, Rotorua Canopy Tours, Rotorua (Finalist)

Ella presented her success of redefining Southern Discoveries brand and launching the campaign ‘go further, get closer, discover more’. The judges emphasised her initiative with sustainability and her holistic approach to innovation in all parts of the business. She is clearly a passionate and skilled marketer.

The Go with Tourism Rising Star winner receives complimentary registration to the 2020 Tourism Export Council Annual Conference, YoungTEC Summit and Xmas Symposium, as well as $500 to assist with travel expenses courtesy of the TECNZ.

Tourism Export Council of New Zealand’s (TECNZ) Chief Executive Judy Chen says “Congratulations to Ella. She is an outstanding example of a rising star that has demonstrated strong leadership skills and introduced impactful initiatives at Southern Discoveries. We are proud to have her as a member of YoungTEC, and now as our 2019 Go with Tourism Rising Star award winner.”

Excellence Award

The winner and finalists are:

Rachel Leinhardt, Skyline Rotorua, Rotorua (Winner)
Nicole Botting, Maverick Digital, Auckland (Finalist)
Anthony Longman, Tourism Central Otago, Central Otago (Finalist)

Rachel’s achievements are highlighted with the marketing campaign and strategy she has obtained over the last four years at Skyline Rotorua. Her passion for the tourism industry is evident through the voluntary work she is involved in, including being a BYATA Board member and YoungTEC mentor.

TECNZ’s Chair, Anna Black says “All three finalists this year were of such a high calibre it was difficult to separate them. Rachel’s passion for the industry was evident. She demonstrated an impressive ability to learn from experiences and apply those learnings to continuously improve herself, her team and the industry as a whole.”

The Excellence award winner receives a two-week professional development placement in one of Tourism New Zealand’s international offices, return economy flights sponsored by Air New Zealand, and two weeks accommodation courtesy of TECNZ.

Thanks to our partners Air New Zealand, Go with Tourism and Tourism New Zealand for supporting us. Also, thanks to the judges involvement with this YoungTEC initiative.

ENDS.

About YoungTEC

YoungTEC is an organisation of young tourism professionals under the age of 36 years who are members of Tourism Export Council companies. A YoungTEC membership offers regular networking events with other young professionals in the tourism industry, educational workshops and a professional development programme complete with a mentor which gives you the most up-to-date tourism information and tips to take into your own workplace.

For more information on YoungTEC and to find out how to become a member visit www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz/ytec or go to their Facebook page www.facebook.com/youngtourismexportcouncil.

For more information please contact:

Louisa Turner – Tourism Export Council of NZ

027 480 7252

office@tourismexportcouncil.org.nz

Celebrating TECNZ’s newest Life Member

Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) awarded Peter Black, General Travel a Life Membership at the TECNZ Xmas Symposium event in Auckland today.

The TECNZ Life Membership is a special form of membership that recognisees an individual who displays exceptional long serving contribution and services to the Inbound industry. A TECNZ member who goes above and beyond the ordinary.

Peter entered the tourism industry 54 years ago (in 1965) where he begun working at Atlantic and Pacific Travel in Auckland. In partnership with a former colleague, he started General Travel New Zealand (formerly known as The Tour Company) in 1973, an inbound company for both the Australian and New Zealand markets.

Over the intervening decades, Peter has worked tirelessly and mostly behind the scenes to grow inbound tourism. He has excelled at growing a small start up business into a large family run partnership and is an advocate for industry issues. Peter’s relationships on and offshore, his way of doing business and care for all the General Travel staff as part of this family unit have endured through good times and bad to create a successful and sustainable business.

In recognition of Peter’s membership, fellow TECNZ Life Member, Blair Sheehy says “It is an honour to present Peter his TECNZ Life Member award today and highlight his exceptional contribution to the inbound and the tourism industry. A true leader who has provided continuous and exemplary years of support and personal time”.

TECNZ Chief Executive Judy Chen says “It is a true testament of what Peter has provided to TECNZ members and the wider industry. We are delighted to have gained significant and sustained engagement from Peter in regards to the inbound industry. Congratulations on receiving this accolade”.

The TECNZ Board would like to formally welcome Peter as a TECNZ Life Member and thanks to his extended contribution to TECNZ and the tourism industry.

ENDS

TECNZ Life Membership

Life Membership is the highest Award available to recognise the exceptional contribution of individuals to Tourism Export Council of New Zealand. It is therefore only to be awarded in exceptional circumstances. In considering the award of Life Membership an individual should have demonstrated significant, sustained and high-quality service, enhancing the reputation and future of the Inbound industry and leaving a noteworthy legacy.

About the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand

For more information please contact:

Judy Chen

CEO Tourism Export Council of NZ

027 6644 836

Gibbston valley opens new luxury spa with wine on the menu

When Gibbston Valley Winery opens its new 5-star luxury lodge this month, a standout feature will be the luxurious private spa and – fittingly – its range of vinotherapy treatments.

Part of the Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa development near Queenstown, the Spa will offer guests a luxurious retreat for health, beauty and well-being and the unique opportunity to connect with the land and winery on a whole new level.

Nestled within the breathtakingly beautiful grounds of Gibbston Valley Winery’s 1000-acre estate and a few minutes’ walk from the new accommodation villas, the standalone spa building features three private treatment rooms.

Experienced therapists will offer a range of treatments to suit any personal indulgence, including vinotherapy face and body therapies using different parts of the grape and vine to benefit the skin.

Gibbston Valley Winery CEO Greg Hunt is thrilled with the innovative treatments on offer at the new spa.

“Unmitigated wine immersion is central to what we want guests to encounter here at the Lodge & Spa – a weekend full of unique, indulgent, and engaging experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in Queenstown,” says Greg.

“So quite naturally incorporating wine elements into our spa treatments enables us to offer guests a chance to embrace the winery and spa experience in a very special way.”

Vinotherapy treatments include the TheraVine™ Luxurious Pinotage & Lime Salt Scrub, a full-body exfoliation that harnesses grape extracts, mineral salts and a citrus infusion to reveal silky, rejuvenated skin, and the Aromavine™ Uplifting Massage where a 100% natural blend of grapeseed, clary sage, rose and jasmine oils will leave guests feeling equal parts relaxed and invigorated.

Other signature treatments include a pampering massage using locally sourced Greenstone and Quartz, a Mud-Detox wrap where warm clay is applied in a full body envelope to draw out toxins, or a variety of tailored packages for individual or couple indulgences.

For total relaxation, guests can immerse themselves in one of two open-air hot tubs nestled into the hillside behind the Spa, offering an outdoor bathing experience with uninterrupted views of Central Otago’s ruggedly charismatic landscape.

Those who like to ‘sweat it out’ will enjoy the intimate yet well-appointed gym inside the spa building. Equipped with state-of cardio machines, free weights and a private all-hours access the gym provides a secure and tranquil place for guests to workout.

At the helm of the Spa is the newly appointed Spa Manager Frances Shirley. With over twelve years’ experience in massage therapy and spa management, UK-born Shirley is a trained beauty and massage therapist. She brings with her a breadth of skill and knowledge gained from previous roles at high-end luxury spas, including locally Matakauri Lodge and Hilton Queenstown.

“The aim of the new Spa is to create a calm, trusting and kind atmosphere for our guests that extends from the treatment rooms all the way back to their villa. Our therapists are intuitive, enthusiastic and highly trained offering tailored treatments and a wealth of knowledge to ensure every guest has a personalised and relaxing experience,” says Frances.

Catering to guests of Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, the Spa will be opening alongside the landmark Lodge and twenty-four private villas this month. For Spa information and bookings please visit: https://www.gibbstonvalleylodgeandspa.com/spa/

For further media information or images please contact:

Fiona Woodham

Southern PR

E: fiona@southernpr.co.nz

M: 0274 313 270

Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa – what you need to know

Villas feature 65m2 of private, open plan living space
Bathrooms feature a large walk-in shower, separate feature tub and dual basins
Complimentary bike use included for guests
Private wine tastings and intimate dinners available in the Lodge Cellar
Seasonal à la carte restaurant menu
Exciting range of wining, dining and leisure activities on the doorstep
Shuttles available for guests into Arrowtown and Queenstown
Spa features three private treatment rooms, a sauna, secluded hot pools and small gym
Just 20 minutes from Queenstown’s International Airport
Lodge & Spa designed by Queenstown architects Wyatt + Gray
Villa design by Space Studios

YoungTEC conference tackles the challenge of tourism as a career

The YoungTEC members gather today in Auckland to discuss and be part of the thought provoking theme, ‘Tourism is a great career, right?’ at this year’s YoungTEC Summit.

A record number of attendees will take a deep dive into the challenges our young people face when choosing tourism as a career and the event will provide some inspiration on how to approach these challenges.

Mike Phillips, who has a background as a lawyer, public speaker and radio host is facilitating the workshop on ‘Tourism as a career’. Mike is from LEGO Serious Play has an outstanding ability to create innovative solutions to challenges.

YoungTEC’s Chair Nicole Botting says ‘Tourism is an incredible career choice and we want to ensure that we are supporting the many new people joining our industry by giving our young people the tools they need to prolong their career in tourism.’

Matt Stenton from Go with Tourism (GWT) joins the panel session of ‘how we can better support our young people in tourism’ and after the $5.2 million investment provided towards the GWT initiative, he will share what GWT has in the pipeline to help build a better tourism workforce. Joining him on the panel is Dylan Rushbrook (Tourism Talent), Lisa Bond (Whale Watch Kaikoura), Travis Donoghue (thl) and facilitated by Zac Watson (ATEED).

Thanks for our partners Auckland Zoo, Grand Millennium Hotel Auckland, Hobbiton Movie Set and Tourism New Zealand.

Another YoungTEC event this week, the ‘Leadership Day’ facilitated by The Icehouse, is attended by a select group of young leaders within the tourism industry to build leadership capability and confidence. Thanks to AJ Hackett Bungy and the Hospitality Training Trust for your support.

ENDS.

About YoungTEC

For more information on YoungTEC and to find out how to become a member visit www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz/ytec or go to their Facebook page www.facebook.com/youngtourismexportcouncil.

For more information please contact:

Nicole Botting – YoungTEC Chair

027 418 8943

nicole@maverickdigital.nz

Iconic Event Venue Wairakei Resort Taupo Launches New Conference Video

Wairakei Resort Taupo is one of New Zealand’s most iconic conference and event hotels and a new promotional video highlights some of the reasons it is so beloved by event organisers.

“This property has so many unique selling points and we felt that static photos of our beautiful grounds, rooms and facilities were not doing the resort justice,” says Director of Sales and Marketing Lee Watkins.

“The video showcases our function and accommodation rooms, an example of how our extensive grounds can be used for team building activities and even sneaks in some shots of our international street food night market experience that was launched this past summer.”

Situated in the heart of the central north island, this historic property is undergoing a resurgence as one of New Zealand’s premier locations for destination conferencing.

“Our sales and marketing team has grown in the past year and we are working hard to remind the market that Wairakei Resort Taupo is right here in the middle of the North Island with the grounds, facilities and team to deliver a truly memorable event,” says Watkins.

“2020 is shaping up to be a phenomenal year and we hope that this new video lets event organisers visualise how an event can look at Wairakei Resort Taupo and helps to drive even more enquiries.”

For more information on Wairakei Resort Taupo for your next conference or event and to learn about their current promotions visit https://www.wairakei.co.nz/meetings-events/ or email conference@wairakei.co.nz.

– Ends –

Ash Palmer, Marketing Manager

Chateau Tongariro Hotel & Wairakei Resort Taupo

DDI: 07 374 9693 | M: 027 319 3299 | T: 07 374 9004