Fifteen regional tourism organisations, or RTOs, from across Aotearoa New Zealand’s North Island have come together under one new collective, Kiwi North. And this week, they flew to Australia to launch a dedicated trade roadshow across Sydney and Melbourne. The partnership marks a major joint investment in Australia, New Zealand’s most important visitor market, and a streamlined opportunity for the travel trade.
Across four events in Sydney and Melbourne, Kiwi North and more than 70 operators showcased their trade-ready products to product managers, frontline sellers and media. The mission: to make it easier for the Australian trade to discover, book and sell experiences across the island.
One Kiwi, many feathers
In Sydney, Inia Maxwell, of the Ngāti Rangiwewehi and Ngāti Whakaue iwi, told the story of the kiwi bird, a national icon and symbol of resilience, sacrifice and connection. In Māori storytelling, the kiwi gave up its wings to protect the forest floor, becoming a creature of the earth.
“To travel like a kiwi is to move at a different pace, to be grounded, to be inquisitive, intentional and not miss what others might,” Maxwell said.
“That shared identity of Kiwi North is what we want you to impart on visitors.”
The collective branding gives each region its own voice while adding strength to the shared North Island identity, Maxwell said.
“We are Kiwi North, 15 beautiful, magnificent regions, all connected under the korowai (cloak).
“Every time you go into a region, each operator and experience becomes a feather added to the cloak of the North.
“Because we are stronger together, that is why we have come together.”
A North Island for every traveller
For the Australian trade, Kiwi North presented simplified access to the breadth of the North Island, from luxury lodges and golf courses to cultural storytelling and city breaks.
Highlights from the events included:
- The newly reopened Huka Lodge on Lake Taupō.
- Te Arai Links, a world-class golf course north of Auckland.
- Māori cultural experiences spanning Waitangi to Wellington.
- Food, wine and nightlife in Auckland and Hawke’s Bay.
- Spa and adventure options in Rotorua, Ruapehu and Taranaki.
Easier for the trade
Australia remains New Zealand’s largest visitor base, with proximity and strong air connectivity driving high demand. By pooling resources, Kiwi North created a one-stop shop for product knowledge, new itineraries and regional highlights.
Karen Thompson-Smith, Head of Tourism at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, said the roadshow was about “responding to what the industry and travellers are asking for – more connection, more clarity and more inspiration”.
“We’re making it easier than ever to discover, sell and book the North Island,” she said.
For agents, Kiwi North’s united platform reduces the legwork. Instead of dealing with multiple RTOs separately, Australian sellers are able to connect with 15 regions under one banner. The collaboration aims to build stronger trade relationships and remove barriers to creating multi-region itineraries.
“Ultimately, Kiwi North means less research time and more time selling product,” Thompson-Smith said.
“It’s a practical solution as well as a cultural one.”
The Kiwi North collective spans Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Northland Inc, Destination Hauraki Coromandel, Hamilton & Waikato Tourism, Tourism Bay of Plenty, RotoruaNZ, Tairāwhiti Gisborne, Destination Great Lake Taupō, Visit Ruapehu, Venture Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay Tourism, Whanganui & Partners, Central Economic Development Agency, Destination Wairarapa and WellingtonNZ.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Kiwi North gives agents one front door to 15 North Island regions. Less legwork, more trade-ready product – making it easier to package, sell and upsell Aotearoa’s diverse experiences.
