New Zealand Tourism News
M Social to expand into Auckland, New Zealand, in early 2018
Singapore-based M Social has now successfully been transplanted abroad. A second M Social opened its doors in Auckland earlier and has started making waves in New Zealand’s hotel sector.
Yoshihiro Kawamura, director & owner, The George Christchurch
Yoshihiro Kawamura, director & owner, The George Christchurch, takes a top title at the World Travel Awards and tells Breaking Travel News how it feels to have won.
Avani Hotels to debut in New Zealand with Auckland property
Avani Hotels & Resorts has announced the acquisition of the Metro Suites business in Auckland, New Zealand. In a deal worth over NZD11 million, the Metro Suites business currently operates in the luxury 40-storey tower and will be transformed through a major room refurbishment programme.
New Zealand In Depth launches PurePod concept to travellers
Providing unobstructed views from every direction, New Zealand’s PurePods are free-standing glass accommodations designed for up-close and uninterrupted encounters with nature. Set in an open clearing on private farm land, the four PurePods provide a singular boutique hotel experience, a one-room home that offers comfort, luxury and dramatic vistas without neighbours.
Cathay Pacific adds new seasonal departure to Christchurch
Cathay Pacific will introduce a new seasonal service between Hong Kong and Christchurch from December 2017, directly linking the two cities by air for the first time and complementing the airline’s existing services to Auckland.
Qatar Airways launches world’s longest commercial flight to Auckland, New Zealand
Qatar Airways has launched its new record-breaking Auckland service on one of the country’s most significant days of the year – Waitangi Day. The first Qatar Airways flight touched down on the North Island of New Zealand, just after sunrise.
Strong growth for New Zealand visitor arrivals
The latest international visitor arrival figures from New Zealand show continued growth with total arrivals up 11.7 per cent for the year ending November and another successful spring. The results come as the tourism industry heads into what promises to be the biggest summer on record.
England-Hall to lead Tourism New Zealand
Tourism New Zealand has announced the appointment of Stephen England-Hall to the position of chief executive. TNZ chair Kerry Prendergast confirmed England-Hall will commence the role in early April 2017, based in Auckland.
Ritz-Carlton, Auckland set for 2019 opening
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel has signed a management agreement with NDG Asia Pacific to open the first Ritz-Carlton property in New Zealand in 2019, creating a new iconic property that will enhance the famous skyline of New Zealand’s leading waterfront city, Auckland. Located in the downtown heart of the city amid the well-preserved city landmarks, adjacent to the distinctive Sky City, The Ritz-Carlton, Auckland will offer uninterrupted 360 degree views of Auckland’s twin harbours with easy access to nearby vineyards on Waiheke Island beyond by helicopter, as well as allowing guests to hands-on experience the thrills of the America’s Cup on an original racing yacht.
Emirates brings Airbus A380 to two New Zealand routes
Emirates has introduced its flagship A380 double-decker aircraft on two New Zealand routes. The airline’s step-up in capacity on both its Christchurch service and its non-stop Dubai-Auckland flight means that Emirates now has an all-A380 offering across its five daily New Zealand services. Flight EK448 set off from Dubai on its 16-hour journey to Auckland, signalling the start of daily scheduled A380 services on the non-stop route previously operated by Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, while an Emirates A380 took off en-route to Christchurch as the airline upgraded the route to New Zealand’s main South Island gateway from a Boeing 777-300ER operation.
Singapore Airlines launches Capital Express service
Singapore Airlines has launched its new ‘Capital Express’ service, linking Singapore for the first time with the capital cities of both Australia and New Zealand. The inaugural flight, SQ291, departed Singapore Changi Airport at 23:00 last night and arrived at Canberra Airport at 08:15 local time this morning.
Emirates to bring A380 to Christchurch route
Emirates A380s will fly between Dubai and New Zealand five times daily from October 30th with the introduction of the airline’s double-decker flagship aircraft on Christchurch services. Emirates will be the first airline to offer regular scheduled A380 services to and from Christchurch with the upgrade of the current daily Christchurch service from Boeing 777-300ERs, along with the removal of the en-route stop in Bangkok which will enable passengers to travel all the way between Christchurch and Dubai, with just one stop in Sydney.