WEST COAST TOURISM INDUSTRY UPDATE
Kia ora,
Winter’s knocking, and she’s brought a fresh dusting on the peaks, crisp mornings, and that unmistakable West Coast stillness that turns visitors into lifelong fans. As we roll into June, there’s plenty brewing behind the scenes — so chuck the jug on and have a read.
This update has all the key info you need, so be sure to read through the full newsletter. And if you haven’t already, jump into our private Facebook group to stay in the loop and connect with other West Coast tourism businesses.
Media
Digital Marketing Opportunities for Your Business
Get your business featured in our marketing campaigns, website and social media content.
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Familiarisation Trips
Past famils:
Upcoming Famils:
Trade
West Coast 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 to promote the West Coast.
Learn more
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.
Events
news
Regional Tourism Boost Fund Campaigns
In April, Development West Coast was part of two successful applications that received funding from the Regional Tourism Boost Fund. Both these campaigns are now in market and are designed to raise awareness, drive engagement, and ultimately increase visitation from Australia. Winter Different, is a campaign in collaboration with the Central South Island regions and Top of the South is working with Luxury Escapes to run a campaign on their platforms.
Fueling Future Tourism Growth on the Coast
Development West Coast (DWC) are thrilled with our recent attendance at TRENZ 2025 in Rotorua. We're already seeing positive results from our efforts to promote the West Coast.
We were there alongside Franz Josef Wilderness Tours, Heliservices.NZ, Maruia Hot Springs and Rainforest Retreat at New Zealand's main international tourism event. Over two and a half busy days, we each held 52 pre-scheduled appointments with travel buyers from around the world. We also had many more unscheduled meetings during the networking sessions, which helped us build even more connections.
A big part of our TRENZ strategy was the successful famil (familiarisation) program we organised. We brought over 40 international agents from key markets like Germany, China, Japan, the UK, North America, and Australia to experience the West Coast for themselves. We received over 180 applications and carefully selected the agents we felt would best showcase our region's unique offerings.
The impact of these famils is already clear. Operators who hosted these agents are already seeing engagement and bookings coming through, and it's only been a week! This really highlights how important trade famils are for the Coast.
Attending TRENZ is a big deal for us. It helps put the West Coast on the map and keeps us top of mind for agents selling New Zealand. This event generates business for our tourism operators, hospitality businesses, and ultimately helps increase visitor numbers for the entire West Coast for seasons to come.
New Zealand Tourism Awards Entries closing soon!
Entries are open for the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards until 18th June 2025.
This year there are 14 awards. Three acknowledge individuals who are outstanding performers in the industry, and 11 awards recognise businesses which display excellence, industry alignment and are living the values of the Tourism Sustainability Commitment (TSC). The winners will be announced at the New Zealand Tourism Awards Dinner being held on Wednesday 29 October, following Tourism Summit Aotearoa.
Wanting to enter but not sure where to start?
Join a webinar facilitated by David Simmons, Head Judge for the New Zealand Tourism Awards, on Thursday 5 June. David will share a judge’s perspective on what makes entries shine, common pitfalls to avoid, and how to align your story with the award criteria.
You will hear from past winners of the New Zealand Tourism Awards as they share their top tips for preparing successful entries, their motivations for entering, and the impact the recognition has had on their business.
Learn more & register for the webinar
See here for more on the benefits of entering the awards.
Hokitika Gorge Bridge Reopens, Completing Popular Loop Track
The swing bridge at Hokitika Gorge, closed since October 2023 due to structural concerns, has now been replaced with a brand-new suspension bridge. The new bridge officially opened to the public on Friday, 23 May, restoring full access to the scenic loop track that winds through the gorge’s turquoise waters and lush native forest.
Hokitika i-SITE relocation
The Hokitika i-SITE Visitor Centre has relocated. It is now located at 41 Weld Street, in the old Mountain Jade building. This is across the road from its previous address. A better location for visitors entering Hokitika to get informed and plan their itinerary.
New Direct Intercity Bus Service Between Christchurch and Greymouth
Starting October 2025, Intercity will launch a new direct daily bus service between Christchurch and Greymouth. Buses will depart daily at 8:30am from Christchurch and at 1:30pm from Greymouth, offering another convenient and scenic travel option for visitors exploring the West Coast. This new service will improve accessibility to the region and provide travellers with greater flexibility in planning their journeys.
Keep in Touch
Our Tourism team:
