• New Zealand Regions
      • Hawke's Bay
      • Bay of Plenty
      • Waikato
      • Whanganui
      • Manawatu
      • Northland
      • Auckland
      • Gisborne
      • Taranaki
      • Wellington
      • West Coast
      • Nelson
      • Canterbury
      • Otago
      • Marlborough
      • Southland
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      Hawke's Bay

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      Beaches, wineries and Art Deco. The Hawke's Bay has a diverse economy, including business services that support its sectors to be the second largest contributor to regional GDP in the country. A popular tourist destination, the region has some of the countries best restaurants as well as stunning scenery, markets and festivals.

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      Bay of Plenty

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      The Bay of Plenty is officially New Zealand's sunniest destination, enjoying short-lived winters and long summer days. The Region offers some of the country's most spectacular views and many ways to enjoy the pristine scenery and natural wonders. Visitors also enjoy exploring the Bay's Māori heritage and pre-European roots.

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      Waikato

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      The Waikato is known for its rolling plains, fertile land and the mighty Waikato River. The region is the fourth largest regional economy in New Zealand, with a strong focus on primary production and associated manufacturing.

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      South WaikatoWaikato District

      Whanganui

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      Welcome to Whanganui. This is our place; where history is full of stories, legends and rich legacy. Where a thriving arts scene, creativity and evolving culture inspire our modern lives. Where breath-taking natural landscapes capture imaginations at every turn.

      Manawatu

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      Located in the lower North Island, Manawatu is heartland New Zealand, offering an authentic Kiwi experience.

      The main in the region are Palmerston North, most notable for Massey University. Palmerston has a vibrant, arts and culture scene.

      The region's economy is based on food production and processing, research and education. The region is also home for the New Zealand defence force.

      Northland

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      Northland was originally home to some of our country's first human inhabitants. Today, it is one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand and home to nearly 189,000 people. Rich in culture and history, the region boasts a stunning natural environment.

      Auckland

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      Auckland Region stretches from the the beaches of the Pacific Ocean in the east to the expansive beaches of the rugged west coast of the Tasman Sea. Auckland City, the largest urban area in New Zealand is considered the main economic center of New Zealand and a popular destination for international students and travellers.

      Gisborne

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      Gisborne is a Region on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It's known for wineries and surf beaches such as Makorori. The region has maintained a strong Maori heritage. The region's economy is made up mainly of agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

      Taranaki

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      Taranaki is a coastal and mountainous region on the western side of New Zealand's North Island. Its landscape is dominated by Mount Taranaki, its namesake volcano, which lies within the rainforested Egmont National Park.

      The port city of New Plymouth is the area's cultural and commercial hub. Taranaki's economy is diverse and includes dairy, oil and gas. The region is the highest contributor or national GDP per capita. 

      Wellington

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      The Wellington Region covers Wellington city in the south, Upper and Lower Hutt valleys to the north-east, and Porirua to the north-west. The region takes its name from Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.

      Wellington is famous for its arts and culture scene and is also the centre of New Zealand's film industry.

      West Coast

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      The West Coast, or as some locals call it, the "Wild West", is a long thin region that runs down the South Island's west coast.

      The region has the lowest population in all of New Zealand. It is famous for its rugged natural scenery such as the Pancake Rocks, the Blue Pools of Haast, and the glaciers.

      The main industries in the region are dairy farming and mining. Tourism also plays an important role.

      Nelson – Tasman

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      Nelson Tasman is an extraordinary, vibrant region where art and businesses thrive together among a stunning natural landscape. With one in five people internationally born, Nelson Tasman has 48 different cultures living in its environs.

      The region prides its self on being New Zealand’s leading Research and Development areas, with the highest proportion of people working in the research, science and tech sectors out of anywhere in New Zealand.

      Canterbury

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      Canterbury is a region on New Zealand’s South Island marked by grassy plains, clear lakes and snow-capped mountains. Its largest city, Christchurch, is famed for its art scene and green spaces.

      Otago

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      There are few places in the world which will leave you with a lasting sense of difference. Central Otago is undoubtedly one of them from its landscapes, its seasons, its people, its products and experiences.

      Marlborough

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      Marlborough Region is on the north-eastern corner of the South Island. The region is well known for its winemaking industry, and the Marlborough Sounds, an extensive network of coastal waterways, peninsulas and islands.

      Apart from the wine industry, aquaculture, agriculture and tourism play an important role in the local economy.

      Southland

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      Southland is New Zealand’s most southerly region and includes the World Heritage ranked Fiordland National Park.

      The region's only city Invercargill offers a relaxed pace of life with wide streets, little traffic, spacious parks and gardens, striking Victorian and Edwardian architecture and impressive sporting facilities including New Zealand’s first indoor velodrome. Southland's location is such that views of Aurora Australis or the Southern Lights are common.

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South Waikato tourism sector still growing

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The South Waikato’s growing tourism sector remains strong in spite of Covid-19.

In March, prior to the country going into lockdown, the district had the Waikato’s second fastest growing tourism market.

And South Waikato District Council economic development manager Paul Bowden said little has changed since. The Te Waihou Walkway/ Blue Spring, which has had over 67,000 visitors this year, and the Waikato River Trails continue to be popular destinations.

“International tourism is obviously an issue across New Zealand and does to some extent have an effect on South Waikato, however, our spend from travellers through the district has remained strong due to our location on State Highway 1,” he said.

“There has been a marked increase in domestic travel with a lot of New Zealanders en route to Rotorua, Taupō and Hobbiton.

“85 per cent of value in the South Waikato is derived from domestic travellers, be it local tourism or general passing travellers.”

With the sector doing so well, Bowden said the council was reviewing and refreshing the services at its iconic sheepdog i-SITE in Tīrau.

“Tīrau was a hive of activity through the July school holidays with a notable increase of foot traffic into the i-SITE and visitor queries,” he said.

“Our Marketing team is working through reviewing and refreshing the tourism collateral at the i-SITE with a specific focus on local attractions.

“Domestic markets offer an opportunity to the South Waikato, particularly because much of our visitor product is free activities such as the Waikato River Trails, Te Waihou, Talking Poles and river and lake side reserves.

“Staff are [also] liaising with local businesses and Hamilton and Waikato Tourism to ensure up to date information for local businesses is on the Tīrau website and on Waikato New Zealand platforms.”

He said the council has applied for Government funding to further enhance its tourism sector.

“We continue to apply for Government funding through several avenues, especially in the tourism space,” he said.

“The council has budgeted for some refurbishment work at The Dog over the coming years to enhance the visitor experience through a more digital space. This will complement any Government funding that is secured.”

“The Council is [also] starting a body of work within our central business district areas to assess the footprint of the changing face of retail so that we can facilitate appropriate change and development.”

A recently released Data Ventures report found the Waikato region as a whole had New Zealand’s second highest level of domestic visitors during the July school holidays. It was up 20 per cent on the same holiday period last year.

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