WEST COAST TOURISM INDUSTRY UPDATE
Kia ora,
Autumn is in the air on the West Coast, and so is the latest industry update! Dive into the April edition for the latest updates, industry events, and tips to keep your business thriving this season. We’ll also be sharing more great content on our social media channels, (who knows, you may even be featured!).
Media
Trade
Image Library
To assist you with your brochures and other materials, we are pleased to provide you with some free assets that you may use.
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Brand Resources and Guidelines
West Coast Untamed Natural Wilderness brand resources and guidelines.
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TOURISM PRODUCT UPDATES
We want to hear more from you, so we’ve created a platform called ‘Tourism Product Updates’.
The Tourism Product Updates aim to provide a platform for tourism operators on the West Coast of New Zealand to effectively communicate and update the regional tourism organisation and economic development agency about new developments, product updates, and increase general awareness for their tourism products.
Got something to share? Book your 30 minute in-person or online session with us today - Calendly Events Development West Coast
Events
News
WEST COAST TOURISM OPERATORS ENGAGE KEY PARTNERS IN AUCKLAND
Last week Development West Coast (DWC) led a mission to Auckland, meeting key tourism partners to help promote the region.
Participating businesses included Underworld Adventures, Maruia Hot Springs, Shantytown, Pounamu Pathway, Inflite and West Coast Wildlife Centre.
DWC and the delegation met representatives from 18 key tourism accounts and connected with 126 tourism professionals, who promote New Zealand in key markets, including North America, Europe, India, Southeast Asia, China and Australia.
DWC and partners also hosted two events in the City of Sails, as well as meeting with Tourism New Zealand.
Patrick Dault, DWC Tourism and Destination Manager, said the timing of the mission to Auckland, just before TRENZ, was critical.
Kiwi’s, Tuatara’s and Penguins at the West Coast Wildlife Centre!
The West Coast Wildlife Centre in Franz Josef is expanding to offer an unforgettable wildlife experience – the West Coast Penguin Encounter, opening October 1st, 2025!
The exciting new development will allow visitors to view penguins in every general ticket, or guaranteed sightings of live kiwi, tuatara and penguins with the VIP Back Stage Pass. The world-class facilities will ensure unobstructed viewings of the injured ambassador birds who can no longer live independently in the wild.
New ‘Geo Glamping Domes’ are now available in Ross!
Ross Beach Top 10 Holiday Park now provide a luxurious and unforgettable glamping experience in their new Geo Glamping Domes.
Each dome is fully self-contained with essential amenities. The inclusion of a full ensuite bathroom, dressing room, lounge and dining area, all equipped with air conditioning and continental breakfast supplies all makes for an enjoyable glamping experience on the West Coast.
INFLITE Franz & Fox Helicopters
INFLITE Group makes a grand return to flying in Franz Josef with INFLITE Franz & Fox Helicopters – the only operator in the West Coast region offering exclusive helicopter flights with landings on the Tasman Glacier
Choose from a fresh portfolio of helicopter flights and tours that soar across the most scenic, picture-perfect landscapes of the South Island, including New Zealand’s top national parks, highest mountain - Aoraki/Mount Cook, and longest glacier – the Tasman Glacier
Clint Trahan captures the West Coast
The world renowned photographer, Clint Trahan ventures through the region this month, capturing businesses, products and landscapes during his travels. Clint’s photography will be available in our shared image library for you to access.
Business Closure of On Yer Bike Greymouth
Regretfully, owners Mike and Sue Roper have made the tough decision to close the off-road adventures business end of April 2024. Retirement is calling and a relaxing lifestyle on the farm sounds rather appealing to them both. Mike says, “We have really enjoyed it over the years and will miss it dearly”. Development West Coast and industry partners wish them all the very best with their new adventures.
Keep in Touch
Our Tourism team:
Patrick Dault, Destination & Tourism Manager
Lara Thomas, Tourism & Events Executive
We are here to help, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need support becoming trade ready.
Please take a moment to update us with what’s happening on your end too. We need to know, experience, and understand your business and product offering so we can help connect your products with the world. Pictures, information, factsheets, and product updates are all very useful and can be included in our Trade E-Newsletter which gets distributed to agents world-wide.