Latest fromTourism & Leisure Industries

West Coast gains $35m Wētā Workshop epic: Pounamu Path tourist trail opens
Māwhera Pā in Greymouth is the first stop on a four-part cinematic, historic route.

Backpackers are back: Company to revive 13 hostel sites this summer
1800 hostel rooms set to open in an ambitious four-month project.

Top 5 destinations for Kiwi couples in 2023 - Flight Centre study
Kiwi couples gravitated towards five destinations when travelling this year.

Airline offers Kiwis $30 flights, expert says air fares will drop in 2024
If cheap travel in 2024 is on your Christmas wishlist, you may be in luck.

The new indigenous travel series celebrating Māori and Hawaiian culture
In his new Whakaata Māori series, Pio Terei explores connections between NZ and Hawaii.

Will El Niño ruin your summer travels? An expert explains
Raincoat or sunscreen? A meteorologist explains what's in store.

France to ban popular yet deathly activity in shock announcement
The activity is quintessentially 'French' but will soon result in a fine.

Take a Coromandel holiday approved by science*
*Side effects may include sunburn and ice cream cravings. Always read the label.

Hastings' $70k rebrand defended: 'We could go back to being the dull place we were a decade ago'
Councillor and marketer says the spending is a "tough balance" after the cyclone.

Meet Cute in Iran: Kiwi traveller shares how she found love in the least likely place
Dianne Harlow's chance encounter blossomed into a life of romance and travel.

I'm a travel writer. Here's why I chose this Kiwi town for a honeymoon
Of all the possible destinations, no one guessed I'd choose this one.

Sneaky red flags to avoid when booking your holiday bach
How to avoid getting duped this summer.

American tourist leaves Kiwis baffled after asking about unusual hotel sign
“I have NO idea, and I live in New Zealand,” one person wrote.

First cruise ships to be welcomed to Whangārei next year
The ships arrive next year in what's set to be a boon for regional economic prosperity.

Continental trio top list of 10 most visited countries in 2023 so far
Did you follow the crowds this year? Or venture off the beaten track?

More travellers going to Turkey in 2023 according to tourism report
The country's tourist numbers are currently 73 per cent higher than in 2019.

Do you need your middle name on your plane ticket?
We ask airlines, travel agents and consumer watchdogs what the best approach is.

Crazy and cruel: Woman blasts female airport employee over 'robbery'
The traveller shared a video, detailing the ordeal.

Most Kiwis will book this type of accommodation when travelling, study reveals
However, there's contention over what country the style of house best represents.

Bed bug battle: Cruise line reveal results of study after infestation complaint
One passenger claims they received hundreds of painful bites while staying in the cabin.

Woman banned for life from cruise line for packing lollies in suitcase
The woman claimed she had no idea the item was banned.

Airline shocks business class passengers by offering 'dog food' in a starter
The gross item was spotted by a passenger who shared it online.

Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocurullo: Brynderwyn bypass upgrade vital
From the mayor's office: Build it and they shall come... but how will they get here?

Kiwi townhouse rental owner wins apology from global accommodation giant
A $182b online booking service says sorry after payment problems.

News briefs from Northland: Critical dog attack injury, Science for Sociopaths and tourism website
News snippets from Northland.

From butcher to hotel-maker: The Kiwi boss at global giant Marriott
And the connection he'd like to make with the All Blacks.

Woman accidentally orders $4000 cocktail at London hotel bar
Her husband, furious, left her to deal with the bill.