Guided walking and sailing adventures on Waiheke Island and in the Hauraki Gulf
Ziptrek Ecotours launches world’s first augmented zipline tour
Award-winning Ziptrek Ecotours in Queenstown, New Zealand, is taking its first steps in combining adventure tourism with digital storytelling.
With tourism going through massive change and upheaval, Ziptrek’s built on its reputation as a renowned leader in eco-tourism to incorporate XR (extended reality) technologies into adventure tourism.
Ziptrek perceives its focus is as a storyteller, contextualizing its place in nature and creating meaningful ‘wow’ moments of travel.
Business owner Trent Yeo says the challenge was to take the perception of XR as being one of technological immersion for many young people in particular, and refocus the technology application to one of nature interaction.
“That’s the basis on which we’ve developed our animated tour guide ‘Kerry the Kereru’, taking people out on our very real, touchable environments in our treehouses and on our ziplines with our guides, as always, but with the addition of a light digital overlay,” he says.
The new Kereru Interactive tour (known as K.I for short) features animated tour guide Kerry the Kereru voiced by local Kiwi author and singer Craig Smith, known to Kiwi kids and families everywhere as the Wonky Donkey man.
While the technology is still nascent and XR business cases still developing, Ziptrek is excited to build this experiment in human interaction. Alongside human guides, Kerry is a digital avatar that travels with guests as they’re taken back in time and through a physical forest zipline course. In keeping with the company’s environmental focus the story is about Aotearoa, the land of birds.
Trent says whether guests remember Roger Rabbit or Pokemon Go, this is Ziptrek’s ‘first step’ blended environment where digital assets are contextualized by spectacular natural surroundings.
“We look forward to the opportunities that augmented and mixed realities (XR) can create in the intersection with a real-life tourism experience,” he says.
The project team has been working for about 18 months, with the release delayed by Covid. Alongside Ziptrek, its technology partner Plattar worked tirelessly to bring this to market when many businesses were contracting R&D investment.
Plattar founder Rupert Deans says the platform enables leading tourism operators like Ziptrek to move beyond traditional tourism delivery by unlocking the power of 3D and augmented reality, creating unique and shareable moments for guests.
“The tourism space is one of the most exciting expressions of this technology. We’re excited to work with Trent and Ziptrek on this pilot and look forward to building further on this,” he says.
The innovative Kereru Interactive will feature the exciting 21m ‘Kereru Drop’ after guests travel along two ziplines. For those who prefer not to do ‘the drop’ and are a bit more marginal than a Kereru at flying, there’s an alternative option to return via a small exit zipline.
The tour officially launches this month with booking available from Monday March 29. The K.I. product will take an hour and is available at an introductory price of $89, available for the first month for direct bookings via the website and in store before extending to its trade partners.
Social media handles are #kereruinteractive, #ki, #ziptreknz #ziplinesnz
Check out the details on the K.I promotional video here
Picture captions:
1/ Ziptrek Queenstown Kereru Interactive Tour – Guests surprised
2/ Ziptrek Queenstown Kereru Interactive Tour – Animation
3/ Ziptrek Ecotours Kereru Tour
For further media information or hi-res images please contact:
Trent Yeo
021 721 901
Dunedin Destination Plan to be refreshed
(Dunedin, 16 March 2021) The Dunedin Destination Plan was first published in 2018 and was one of the first of its kind in New Zealand. The plan outlined how the Dunedin City Council’s Enterprise Dunedin proposed to market and manage Dunedin as a destination, in partnership with city stakeholders.
Following the release of new Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Destination Management Plan guidelines and the significant changes to the visitor sector over the period since it was published, Enterprise Dunedin has commissioned Stafford Strategy to complete a refresh of the Destination Plan over the coming months.
John Christie Director Enterprise Dunedin says the refresh is timely, given the significant challenges presented by the pandemic, “It’s unlikely that tourism will go back to the way it was pre-COVID for quite some time, so we need to look at new opportunities and how Dunedin will present itself as a visitor destination in the future.”
“We have to take a collaborative approach in planning and delivery as we are all ambassadors for the city one way or the other, and now more than ever we need to ensure we’re working together to achieve the best outcomes.”
The refresh of the plan is one of fifteen Enterprise Dunedin initiatives funded by the Government’s Strategic Tourism Assets Protection Programme (STAPP).
The engagement process is now underway and will comprise of targeted stakeholder meetings and online or written submissions open to all interested parties.
The full consultation period will run until 14 May. Online feedback submissions will be open until 16 April at www.dunedin.govt.nz/ddp-refresh
The existing Dunedin Destination Plan can be found at: www.dunedinnz.com/dunedindestinationplan
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For more information, contact:
John Christie
Director
Enterprise Dunedin
Dunedin City Council
Telephone: 03 471 8836
Mob 027 4915 916
Email: john.christie@dcc.govt.nz
Fresh start for Southland Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs)
On the first of April 2021 the Southland and Fiordland RTOs will both be operated by the Southland Regional Development Agency, Great South. Both RTOs will also be undertaking a name change to position them for the future.
Visit Fiordland and Visit Southland will be the new identities, replacing respectively Destination Fiordland and Great South as the current RTO names.
The visual identity of both RTOs will now align and this signals the joint ownership, resourcing and strategic opportunity to better align tourism development and promotional activity across the whole Southland region.
The severe impact of COVID-19 on tourism businesses in Southland is still unrelenting, especially in Te Anau and Fiordland where international visitors have historically accounted for nearly 80% of annual business. This has been the primary catalyst for a review of RTO services which has taken around nine months of negotiation to bring to fruition.
Destination Fiordland has proudly operated as a membership organisation for many years with core operational funding provided by Southland District Council (SDC) and members funding marketing activity. With very severe financial impacts on member businesses this no longer remained viable, so SDC will now contract Great South to provide these services in Fiordland.
Funding for the Southland RTO is provided to Great South from all funding shareholders; SDC, Invercargill City Council, Gore District Council and Environment Southland.
Fiordland sits within the Southland District Council territory and is one of New Zealand’s most recognisable visitor regions encompassing Fiordland National Park, Te Anau, Manapouri, Piopiotahi Milford Sound, Patea Doubtful Sound and many unforgettable experiences that have attracted visitors for well over 100 years.
The rest of Southland is covered by three local authority areas and includes Invercargill City where exciting developments are currently transforming the city, Bluff – famous for Oysters and much more, characterful Gore in the heart of Eastern Southland as well as treasured visitor destinations such as The Catlins and Rakiura Stewart Island. The Southland Murihiku Destination Strategy 2019-2020 has also framed many future development opportunities which are currently being actioned.
Great South CEO, Graham Budd notes “While things currently remain very tough in the visitor sector we are committed to making this change resonate positively with our regional tourism businesses as well as industry and travel trade partners domestically and internationally. Our large region offers incredible diversity and complementary experiences but this diversity and long history also demands that we maintain two RTOs to ensure appropriate ongoing focus and representation. This is a time of change and we have embraced this. We have to now start looking ahead to a recovery of international tourism and how to best position ourselves for that”.
“We think Visit Fiordland and Visit Southland are ideal for our newly aligned RTOs with a clear identity and purpose inherent in the naming.”
Visit Southland will be based in the Great South Invercargill office and Visit Fiordland will continue to have an office in Te Anau which will also house other Great South team members. Some staff will work across both RTOs while others will be more dedicated to one part of the region as required. Great South GM Tourism and Events, Bobbi Brown, having overall management responsibility for both.
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For more information please contact:
Great South communications manager Emma Carle
Email Emma.carle@greatsouth.nz
Phone 027 801 3606
Sustainable Business Network has recently noted five things business needs to know about plastic packaging
- We need more data!
- We’re at the beginning of a reuse and refill revolution.
- Get rid of what you don’t need.
- Not all plastic is equal and not all plastic is recyclable.
- Compostable packaging can’t mainstream, yet.
Read further here.
YoungTEC Chair and Vice Chair announced
The Board of the Young Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (YoungTEC) is delighted to announce that Zac Watson, Auckland Unlimited has been re-appointed in the role of Chair and Kenny Wynter, ZipTrek Ecotours has been appointed as Vice Chair.
Lynda Keene, Chief Executive of Tourism Export Council of NZ says, “The Tourism Export Council NZ Board is thrilled that Zac Watson has been reappointed to his role as Chair of YoungTEC. The Board and I have worked with Zac over the past twelve months during the most challenging time in the history of the tourism industry. He has provided valuable input to our board decisions while leading and supporting YoungTEC members during these tumultuous times. He is a great advocate for professional development within our industry, and when things begin to move in a more positive direction, the continuity that Zac will provide for YoungTEC will be invaluable. We’re also delighted to welcome Kenny Wynter to role of Vice-Chair. Kenny’s experience and enthusiasm will support Zac in leading YoungTEC through 2021 and help continue to grow the legacy and business capability for future leaders of the industry.
Zac hales from the North West of Auckland and is the only Auckland based board member for 2021. After completing a Bachelor of Tourism Management from Lincoln University in Canterbury, Zac went into his first tourism-based role with Merlin Entertainments at Kelly Tarlton’s SEA LIFE Aquarium as the Sales Representative. This was followed by a move to the Haka Tourism Group with Haka Educational Tours as an Account Manager and then onto Auckland Unlimited (formerly ATEED) into his current role as the Tourism Product Development Manager.
Mr Watson says “I am thoroughly looking forward to continuing my tenue with this incredible organisation and adding to the incredible work of previous YoungTEC Board members. There has never been a time more vital than now to provide a platform and a voice for young people in one of New Zealand’s largest and most vital industries. I am hugely passionate about what YoungTEC offers and fully intend to ensure we invest in the next generation of tourism professionals through connection and professional development”.
Kenny began his tourism journey by studying a degree in International Tourism Management, with his dissertation exploring social license. After graduating he was naturally drawn to work for Ziptrek Ecotours, which gave him an introduction into the world of eco-tourism. After a year’s employment, he gained some international experience – including working for luxury hotel resort in the Whitsundays, an RTO in Canada and a UK based ski tour operator. Kenny returned to Ziptrek in 2017 and has been working to reinforce their stance as pioneers in eco-exhilaration ever since, with COVID-19 providing the opportunity for him to think differently and remain innovative.
Mr Wynter says “I’m honoured to be able to work with Zac and the whole YoungTEC Board to ensure we can continue to retain, inspire and develop our tourism Whānau for the inevitable re-emergence of one of Aotearoa’s most vital industries. YoungTEC provides some invaluable educational and networking opportunities for young professionals, which now – more than ever – will be pivotable to ensure we have top talent ready to navigate through this difficult time our industry is facing”.
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About YoungTEC
YoungTEC is an organisation of young tourism professionals under the age of 36 years who are members of Tourism Export Council companies. A YoungTEC membership offers regular networking events with other young professionals in the tourism industry, educational workshops and a professional development programme complete with a mentor which gives you the most up-to-date tourism information and tips to take into your own workplace.
About the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand
The Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (TECNZ) is a trade association that represents the interests of the inbound tourism industry since 1971. Its membership includes inbound tour operators (Inbound Members) and attraction, activity, accommodation, transport suppliers, regional tourism organisations and tourism services providers (Allied Members). TECNZ members collectively handle most of New Zealand’s international visitor arrivals. www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz.
For more information on YoungTEC and to find out how to become a member visit www.tourismexportcouncil.org.nz/ytec or go to their Facebook page www.facebook.com/youngtourismexportcouncil.
For more information please contact:
Louisa Turner – Tourism Export Council of NZ
027 480 7252
office@tourismexportcouncil.org,nz
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Queenstown tourism operator takes eco-education to new heights
Ziptrek Ecotours aims to educate and inspire New Zealand’s leaders of tomorrow towards long-term environmental and sustainable practices with a pioneering new eco-education outdoor learning programme in Queenstown.
The company is using its architecturally designed treehouses and ziplines high on Bob’s Peak as an ‘outdoor classroom’ to showcase sustainable tourism at work and how businesses can future-proof for environmental, social and financial success.
The interactive eco-education programme is primarily aimed at tertiary students, career advisors and educators and is a practical ‘take’ on the STEM curriculum of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Tours are custom-designed to align with each group’s academic requirements.
Science is covered off with discussions on Ziptrek’s biodiversity, introduced species and Predator Free 2050 support as well as its work in becoming a Carbon Zero business. Technology talks to the systems and design used to streamline Ziptrek’s business, such as remote area solar energy powering cameras and gates, while the structural design benefits and challenges of the treehouses and ziplines is a must for engineers. Maths is applied to the metrics measuring Ziptrek’s business and the physics and cable design in ziplines.
The two-hour experience starts from $49 per person and includes a tailored talk by one of the team, a site exploration, and a zip down the world’s steepest tree to tree zipline – dropping 30 storeys in 10 seconds at speeds of up to 70kmph. There are also options to upgrade to either the four-line Moa Tour or premium six-line Kea tour.
The outdoor learning initiative aligns with Ziptrek’s deep commitment to education, sustainability and conservation. It forms part of its ongoing work under New Zealand’s Tourism Sustainability Commitment and the Future-Fit framework, a global and open-sourced sustainability framework relating to UN development goals.
Other initiatives within its education programme include a Paper4Trees recycling project with pre-schools and schools, and Queenstown Resort College internships.
Ziptrek executive director Trent Yeo believes that while COVID-19 has created opportunity for a tourism reset and renewed focus on sustainability, more education is needed to achieve New Zealand’s vision to lead the world in sustainable tourism.
“We hope our new eco-education tour will help inform, inspire and empower New Zealand’s leaders of tomorrow to think more deeply about doing business in a way that creates long-term value for our people, our economy and our environment,” he says.
“Our tour turns theory into practice through ‘outside the classroom’ learning and helps participants experience first-hand some of the exciting and innovative career pathways within the tourism industry.
“We also demonstrate how our business decisions, centred around making the right call for the environment and our community, have translated into a world-class adventure experience and sustainable tourism business.”
Early uptake on the programme has proven successful with several tertiary institutions, including ARA Institute of Canterbury and the Auckland-based Crown Institute of Studies, which provides training in travel and tourism hospitality, health and wellbeing, business and computing, giving it rave reviews.
“I’ve heard from all the career advisors and teachers who experienced your programme that your company is inspirational and futuristic,” says Dr Josephine Do, Managing Director of Crown Institute of Studies.
Career/education advisors from Southland Careers and Transition Education (CATE) also visited recently to better understand employment possibilities for young people from their region, careers in the tourism sector and how places like Queenstown are adapting in response to a COVID world.
The programme’s been welcomed by regional tourism body Destination Queenstown which also presents to visiting groups.
“Ziptrek is one of many Queenstown operators which has thought outside the square to develop new and exciting programmes and product in the aftermath of Covid,” says DQ acting General Manager Ann Lockhart.
“We’re fully supportive of their education initiative, especially as this helps us demonstrate that there IS a future in tourism for our young people, with exciting and innovative career pathways in the industry. We have some of the best tourism operators in the country running businesses here.”
For more information about tour options visit www.ziptrek.co.nz/groups/
For further media information and imagery, please contact:
Nicky Busst
M: 027 721 9017
OR
Fiona Woodham
Southern PR
M: 0274 313 270
Active Adventures appoints new talent despite Covid
Queenstown based tourism company Active Adventures has appointed Sam Morrah as Head of International Sales and Distribution, a newly expanded role as the company pursues international growth despite the challenges of Covid.
CEO Wendy van Lieshout and the Active Adventures board are delighted with the appointment.
“Sam’s depth of experience in a variety of sales channels across multiple international markets will be hugely beneficial as we drive towards a strong recovery in both our existing and also new source markets” says Ms van Lieshout.
A former Journalist and graduate of Canterbury and Otago Universities, Morrah was recently Country Manager New Zealand for STA Travel and has held Director of Sales and Marketing roles in Asia for both Club Med and the Travel Corporation.
“We’re super excited about Sam’s cultural fit too. He’s slotted right in already, embracing our DNA and rolling up his sleeves” adds Ms van Lieshout.
Sam’s first impressions of Active Adventures have been very positive, and he’s excited to be involved in a business focussed on growth despite the challenges of Covid.
“Before long, tourism will recover both in New Zealand and globally, and I’m thrilled to be part of a business that will be leading that comeback for eager travellers around the world.”
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Media Contact: Wendy van Lieshout, phone 021 2435 412
About Active Adventures: Based in Queenstown, Active Adventures was established in 1996 and continues to create and deliver unique active adventures in stunning places both in NZ and around the world with the highest levels of care and personalised service. Winners of the 2018 Westpac Queenstown Business Awards and finalists in the New Zealand International Business Awards in 2019, Active Adventures is New Zealand’s largest and most globally diverse adventure travel company.
www.activeadventures.com
Camjet (2011) Ltd. Adventure tourism business specialising in jet boat tour experiences in the Waikato. Based in Cambridge New Zealand at River Side park on the Waikato river 7 km below the Karapiro dam. We are in close proximity to the centre of town which many travellers enjoy the short walk to the river side.