Tourism industry

Last week Development West Coast (DWC) led a mission to Auckland, meeting key tourism partners to help promote the region.

Over the weekend, Reefton played host to the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association's (NZMCA) National Motorhome Rally, drawing approximately 1,500 attendees in 800 motorhomes and caravans.

Visitor spending on the West Coast in January was 10.3% higher than in January 2023, outperforming the national rate of 6.8%.

The Coaltown Museum in Westport has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as The Museum of Kawatiri, the second experience centre to open along the Pounamu Pathway.

We have produced a series of “market snapshots” that will give operators insight into:

In a year-end report unveiled by the Roady App, the West Coast emerges as a standout destination, securing top ratings and attracting a significant number of visitors.

Get ready for an immersive experience like no other on the West Coast, as the Pounamu Pathway opens its doors to the public in December 2023. The opening of the Pounamu Pathway – a world-class cultural experience that transcends boundaries – sets the stage for a dynamic economic boost for the West Coast.

Development West Coast’s (DWC) Tourism Team, alongside representatives from six West Coast tourism operators, completed a successful sales trip to Auckland, connecting with eighty of the city's most influential inbound travel agents, and the team at Tourism New Zealand.

A waharoa (gateway) marking the entry to a viewpoint of the Ōparara Basin north of Karamea was unveiled yesterday signalling the completion of a major upgrade to visitor facilities.

Development West Coast's summer campaign is focused on driving awareness for the Coast as a visitor destination.

Descendants of the Poutini Ngāi Tahu Warrior Chief, Tūhuru, have travelled to Wētā Workshop in Wellington to bless the first-ever hyper-realistic representation of their ancestor, as part of the eagerly awaited tourism experience, the Pounamu Pathway.

In South Westland a new business-led initiative, the Ōkārito Plant Project, is quietly making a difference.

The Pike29 Memorial Track is opening on 17 February 2024.

After almost two years of closure due to damage from Cyclone Dovi, the Heaphy Track in the South Island's Kahurangi National Park has finally reopened, and it's not just nature enthusiasts who are celebrating.

The West Coast Pie Company is set to go national with an exciting new campaign in partnership with Development West Coast and Monteith’s.

The West Coast has achieved a significant milestone. Not only has international visitor spending surpassed pre-pandemic levels, but iconic hotels are also reawakening and nature is presenting its own spectacle with the return of the endangered Kōtuku and Tawaki penguins.

TRENZ is New Zealand’s largest international tourism business event and most important event of the year on the tourism events calendar.

Kiwi Link India 2024 provides a unique opportunity for representatives of the New Zealand tourism industry to educate and establish business relationships with key product managers and front line travel sellers from India.

Kiwi Link South East Asia 2024 provides a unique opportunity for representatives of the New Zealand tourism industry to educate and establish business relationships with key travel sellers from throughout South East Asia.

Development West Coast is delighted to invite you to participate in the 2024 West Coast Roadshow event held in Australia.