Queenstown is preparing for a huge weekend of Australian reconnection, media exposure, and bookings to follow as the region kicks off its 2021 snow season to great fanfare.
After having to miss the 2020 New Zealand snow season due to you know what, to say that the bubbles of excitement are currently fizzing and overflowing on both sides of the Tasman would be putting it mildly.
Let the winter adventures begin!
To amplify Tourism New Zealand’s latest campaign, ‘Stop Dreaming about New Zealand and Go’, Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand have partnered with Nine’s Today Show to broadcast live from New Zealand from Friday, June 18.
Karl Stefanovic, Allison Langdon, and Today hosts will fly on Air New Zealand’s direct Sydney to Queenstown flight to film live from Queenstown on Friday 18th June, overlooking the picturesque Lake Wakatipu and Remarkables mountain range.
The visit will see the pair take on adrenalin-filled experiences, enjoy Queenstown’s hospitality, and give viewers a taste of the region’s spectacular alpine scenery.
On Saturday, 19 June, Australian viewers will wake up to Weekend Today hosts Richard Wilkins and Leila McKinnon and weather presenter Lauren Phillips in the stunning region of Wanaka, where they’ll meet local tourism operators, take a paddle on the famous Lake Wanaka and welcome special guest actor Sam Neill.
Weather presenter Tim Davies will explore several regions on Air New Zealand’s extensive domestic network across six full days of weather kicking off at Coronet Peak in Queenstown.
From there, Tim will ski Christchurch’s award-winning Mt Hutt ski field, drive to Akaroa, meet Richie McCaw and Christchurch locals, visit Nelson’s Abel Tasman National Park and discover Wellington’s vibrant city streets.
Andrew Waddel, General Manager of Tourism New Zealand – Australia, said, “Prior to COVID, Australians made up almost 40% of international arrivals to New Zealand, and around 24% of New Zealand’s international visitor spend. The return of trans-Tasman travel will support New Zealand’s recovery.
“From the soaring Southern Alps to the coolest little capital of Wellington, the Today Show broadcast will inspire Australians to book a holiday now. It’s time to stop dreaming about New Zealand and go!”
Air New Zealand’s General Manager Sales – Australia, Paul McLean says “It’s a pleasure to bring the Today team to New Zealand to show off everything Aotearoa has to offer. We know Australians love to visit New Zealand, so we are thrilled to offer some amazing deals throughout the show.
“We can’t wait welcome them back to explore our great outdoors and winter playgrounds – just in time for the ski season. Aussies have the option of over 180 holiday combinations available to them from the nine Australia locations that Air New Zealand flies from. The possibilities are endless!”.
Prior to COVID-19, Australians made up almost 40% of international arrivals to New Zealand and contributed around $2.7 billion of New Zealand’s annual international visitor spend.
With research revealing 60% of Australians are dreaming of a trip to New Zealand in the first six months of borders opening, Tourism New Zealand is fuelling wanderlust to encourage Australians to book a holiday now.
An Australian travel trade contingent will also be in Queenstown for the weekend with Karryon’s founder Matt Leedham getting the opportunity to sample Queenstown’s latest experiential offerings alongside representatives from Anzcro, Travel Associates, Travel Partners, Travel Managers, Flight Centre and Expedia.
Speaking about the visit, Matt Leedham said, “I’m thrilled and honoured to be heading back over to Queenstown this weekend for the start of what promises to be such a special winter season. After what has been such a tough time for everyone, being able to reconnect again with industry colleagues and get a feel for what’s happening as well as experience some of the regions numerous mind-blowing offerings is going to be fantastic.”
The Stop Dreaming about New Zealand and Go campaign is live nationally across TV, cinema, out-of-home, radio, online and social channels.