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The Government is backing six initiatives to attract more international visitors into regional New Zealand and support tourism growth across the country, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
“Tourism and hospitality supports jobs, businesses and local economies, and this $5 million investment will help ensure more regions share in that success,” Louise says.
“The funding will support collaborative regional campaigns designed to attract international visitors to travel, stay and dine during spring 2026 and early summer 2027, ahead of the peak tourism season.
“We want more visitors arriving in the quieter months and travelling beyond our main gateways to experience the regions that make New Zealand unique.
“These campaigns will encourage visitors from Australia, North America and China to stay longer, travel further, and support local tourism and hospitality businesses.”
The Regional Tourism Boost funding covers:
- $994,902 to attract more Chinese visitors through the Kiwi North food and hospitality campaign led by RotoruaNZ.
- $975,490 for a national campaign to encourage visitors from the United States and Canada to explore destinations across New Zealand, led by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
- $644,902 for a campaign promoting food, beverage and outdoor experiences across the top of the South Island to Australian travellers, led by Visit Hurunui.
- $594,902 to promote the Classic New Zealand Wine and Food Trail to high-value Australian visitors, led by WellingtonNZ.
- $994,902 to attract Chinese visitors to Christchurch and the South Island, led by ChristchurchNZ.
- $794,902 to attract Australian and US visitors to explore up to eight new food trails in New Zealand, co-led by Destination Great Lake Taupo and RotoruaNZ.
“By showcasing our regional food, wine, hospitality and visitor experiences, these campaigns will help spread the benefits of tourism growth to more communities around New Zealand, inspiring visitors to travel throughout the country and experience all that our regions have to offer.” says Louise.
Read about the Regional Tourism Boost funding here
