This Content Is Only For Subscribers
TRENZ 2026 has wrapped up in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, with Christchurch confirmed as the host city for next year’s edition of New Zealand’s largest tourism trade event.
Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Rebecca Ingram says this year’s would be remembered for both innovation and Auckland’s hosting effort.
“TRENZ 2026 has seen 1200 delegates hold a massive 16,000 business meetings over 2.5 days; doing good business and driving tourism export growth for future years,” Rebecca says.
Rebecca says Auckland had provided a strong platform for the event, supported by the newly opened New Zealand International Convention Centre.
“Auckland has been a stand-out host city this year. The weather has been exceptional, NZICC is a fantastic venue and our key events partners at Tataki Auckland Unlimited, Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand have helped make this a very special TRENZ.”
International Media Marketplace debut
Rebecca says new initiatives including the International Media Marketplace helped elevate this year’s event.
“The event feedback from our buyers and sellers has been exceptional, and we’re already thinking about how we can continue growing TRENZ even more in the future,” Rebecca says.
TRENZ 2027 will be held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre from May 11-13.
It will be the fourth time Christchurch has hosted TRENZ and the second time the event has been held at Te Pae.
Rebecca says Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region were continuing to strengthen as international tourism destinations.
“We saw between November 2025 and March 2026, 287,000 international visitors passed through Christchurch Airport as part of a bumper summer,” Rebecca says.
“That’s up 22 percent on last year, pumping an estimated $860 million into the South Island economy.”
Christchurch tourism growth
ChristchurchNZ general manager visitor economy Anne Newman says Christchurch was excited to host the event again.
“Building on the strong platform showcased in 2023, the city has continued to evolve, with new infrastructure, visitor experiences and accommodation enhancing the visitor offering,” Anne says.
“There’s a real buzz in Ōtautahi, and we’re looking forward to sharing that energy with the travel trade and our industry partners.”
