You’ve seen us share deets about Tourism New Zealand’s amazing Explore Self-Famil Discount Programme, but we’ve got new news: they’ve now lined up over 440 discounts for you! That’s 440+ ways you (and a plus one) can discover what makes Aotearoa New Zealand such an epic destination. Learn more here, plus discover insider intel from your industry peers on how good the programme really is.
If you’re not familiar, the Tourism New Zealand Explore Self-Famil Discount Programme offers the ultimate self-famil, where you get the version of Aotearoa New Zealand that’s 100% tailored to your interests.
Alongside fabulous discounts to idyllic destinations, you can take a plus one along for the ride, too! They don’t even have to work in the industry. Invite your partner, your bestie, your offspring, or your work wife.
With access to 440+ discounts from Qualmark tourism businesses (quality assured to the highest standards), you gain access to accommodation providers, adventure outfitters, transportation companies, and now (drumroll, please), the Avis Budget group has joined.
Using programme discounts, build your perfect 100% Pure New Zealand self-famil. Will you choose a trip that’s 50% road tripping, 30% epic landscapes, and 20% geothermal wonders? Or maybe you’d love 40% to be iconic New Zealand, 30% amidst natural wonders, and 30% relaxation? The choice is yours.
Cathleen Campbell from RACQ Travel declares the programme “sensational”. She shared, “The process was straightforward, and once accepted, the detailed contributor list helped me craft the most exciting itinerary.
“Highlights included an Otago Lord of the Rings 4WD tour, an exhilarating Huka Falls Jetboating adventure, and in Rotorua, the incredible Redwoods Treetop Walk and the cultural experiences at Te Puia.
“The confidence it has given me has boosted my ability to sell New Zealand as a top travel destination.”
What are the benefits of using Explore?
- Flexibility: Gain the flexibility to visit Aotearoa New Zealand at a time that suits you, between March and November.
- Stay longer: It’s a win to be able to spend up to 30 days in New Zealand with the programme.
- Choose your experiences: Select from 440+ discounts from tourism providers across 25 regions to create your dream itinerary.
- New connections: Establish lifelong relationships with Qualmark tourism operators; ideal for building trusted itineraries for your clients.
- Improved confidence: 89% of participants confirm using Explore has increased their confidence to sell New Zealand.
- Increased sales: They also say it’s helped them sell more New Zealand holidays, including more accommodation and commission-earning experiences.
Darcy Grealy from Travel Associates is one such agent. He shared, “I had an incredible time and found the self-famil programme to be easy and incredibly generous.
“I received an incredible saving on Great Walks New Zealand’s Abel Tasman trek, including them generously waiving the solo supplement. One of the best things I’ve ever done was the Cheeky Kiwi scenic flight from Milford Sound to Queenstown. It blew me away!
“Sharing my firsthand experiences has helped build credibility and trust with my customers. I’ve also since used marketing collateral and resources to help sell New Zealand.”
What type of discounts can I expect?
With hundreds of discounts across 25 regions, you’re gaining access to accommodation providers, airfares support, land transportation deals, and those bucket list experiences you know and love. Like jet boating, glacier hikes, Māori cultural experiences, scenic rail journeys, and more!
Discounts vary by Qualmark tourism businesses – some are FOC, others are discounted (e.g., 30-50% off). Offers are usually extended to your travel companion, too.
Over 40 new Qualmark businesses have recently joined the initiative, including:
- Avis Budget Group for nationwide car rentals
- Matū PurePod for gorgeous off-grid, eco accommodation in Waitomo
- The Remarkables Ski Area for Queenstown skiing and snowboarding
They join old favourites, like:
- Interislander, the ferry ride connecting the North and South Islands
- Hell’s Gate, where you can access Rotorua’s geothermal areas and rejuvenating spa
- Fox Glacier Guiding for the ultimate West Coast helicopter flight and glacier hiking
- Dark Sky Project to discover Tekapo’s awe-inspiring stargazing
Independent Travel Advisor Mel Williams won tickets to New Zealand. “I wanted to take full advantage of the self-famil programme, though with so many stays and experiences it was hard to pick!
“I had a beautiful experience with Āmiki Tours and loved Christchurch Adventure Park’s highest and longest zipline in the Southern Hemisphere.
“What better way to know how to sell this amazing country than to experience it yourself!”
Who can apply for Explore & what is the process?
Are you a full-time travel seller, wholesaler, or product manager? Then you’re eligible to apply for your dream self-famil once you have completed the following criteria:
- Become a destination expert by completing eight foundation courses in the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme, Tourism New Zealand’s online training programme
- Sign up to Tourism New Zealand’s Trade Newsletter
- Become a member of the dedicated Australian agent Tourism New Zealand’s Travel Trade Facebook Group
- Submit your application on the Explore Self-Famil Discount landing page
Once vetted and approved by Tourism New Zealand, you’ll gain access to all those Qualmark operators to build your perfect self-famil itinerary.
Your unique Explore ID and handy booking template allow you to connect directly with operators on the ground.
It’s recommended that you apply for the Explore Programme at least two months before your intended arrival date and then make operator bookings at least 30 days before your arrival in New Zealand.
Alyssa Pretorius from TravelManagers returned to New Zealand with the programme. Her highlights include Otago wine touring, Lord of the Rings locations, and an incredible hiking trip to Mt Cook.
“The local operators were so welcoming and generous, making it easy to see the quality of their products first-hand. The training modules were simple to complete, and I appreciate how Tourism New Zealand continues to provide excellent webinars and training opportunities.
“Sharing my journey on social media generated huge interest from my clients, and having refreshed, first-hand knowledge makes it so much easier to recommend and sell with confidence.”
Learn more
Get started today to access 440+ discounts available across 25 New Zealand regions. Learn more about the Explore Self-Famil Discount Programme by reading the FAQs here.
Gain additional confidence in bringing 100% Pure New Zealand to life for your clients when you access travel trade tools, like downloadable maps, regional fact sheets and inspiration itineraries.
This article is brought to you by Tourism New Zealand.
