NZ tourism spending rebounds to $12.2b but it remains below pre-Covid levels
Spending by international tourists has jumped 9.2% in the last year to $12.2 billion but still remains below pre-Covid times, according to the latest International Visitor Survey.
The survey results for the year ended March 2025 show the sector retained its status as the second-largest export earner behind dairy ($21.8b)
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Otago Daily Times
7 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Bar open four hours a week gets licence
It is open for only four hours a week and last served a meal before the Covid lockdown — is this New Zealand's most peculiar pub? The unusual operating practices of Dunedin's Harbourview Stadium Hotel have been revealed after it applied to renew its liquor licence recently. Pub owner Dr Hu Zhang bought the Ravensbourne premises in 2011 with a view to converting it into accommodation for students and visiting academics, but locals convinced him to keep the bar open so they had a place to meet for a drink. It is split into three parts — a bar, restaurant and upstairs accommodation — and also opened a cafe area in 2018. The bar used to be open between 4pm and 8pm from Tuesday to Sunday. But once it reopened after the pandemic, its opening hours were ultimately reduced to between 4.30pm and 8pm on Wednesdays only. The Dunedin district licensing committee seemed perplexed when Dr Zhang applied for the pub's liquor licence to be renewed. "Because they are open for such a short time on one day of the week, the impression would be that the premises is not trading," district licensing committee secretary Kevin Mechen said. It sometimes adjusted its hours when there were local events or parties, Mr Mechen said. "The locals use text messaging to let each other know they are going for a drink. "Unfortunately, some of their locals can no longer get to the premises because of their ages." Most patrons went to the pub for a soft drink or beer and did not buy food. "When asked when the last meal was prepared at the premises, Dr Zhang said it was before the Covid lockdown. When reporting agencies visited the premises, they found "the barest of food available for sale" and not enough to meet requirements. At a hearing last month, Dr Zhang had "by his own admission" said he did not need the premises, Mr Mechen said. The committee nevertheless decided to renew the licence for a truncated period to February 28 next year. When contacted yesterday, Dr Zhang said he was happy with the committee's decision but declined to comment further. A licensing inspector had indicated they would visit the premises every two months to ensure compliance with the legislation, Mr Mechen said. "We understand the applicant's desire to maintain a place for the locals to socialise but more needs to be done to make it a desirable premises and to ensure compliance with the legislation." The committee reminded Dr Zhang there must be a certified manager working whenever the pub was open for the sale of alcohol and food must be available that met requirements, Mr Mechen said. When the Otago Daily Times visited the premises about 5pm yesterday the front door was locked and the lights in the bar area were turned off.
Scoop
17 hours ago
- Scoop
Government To Protect And Enhance Milford Sound Piopiotahi
Press Release – New Zealand Government The first tranche of decisions from the Milford Opportunities Project, announced today, also provide certainty to operators by confirming that cruise ships will continue to access the fjord, and Milford Aerodrome will be retained. Minister of Conservation Hon Louise Upston Minister of Tourism and Hospitality The Government will invest $15.2 million into upgrading infrastructure and enhancing conservation at Milford Sound Piopiotahi to sustainably grow tourism while also protecting the jewel in our conservation crown. The first tranche of decisions from the Milford Opportunities Project, announced today, also provide certainty to operators by confirming that cruise ships will continue to access the fjord, and Milford Aerodrome will be retained. 'This iconic UNESCO World Heritage site in Fiordland attracts more than a million visitors a year and pumps about $200 million into the regional economy, creating jobs and boosting incomes,' Conservation Minister Tama Potaka says. 'For Ngāi Tahu, Piopiotahi holds special significance as the final masterpiece of atua and land-shaper Tū Te Rakiwhānoa. 'Visitors accessing the fjord via Milford Road will soon enjoy new and enhanced short stops, including an alpine nature walk in Gertrude Valley. Little Tahiti landfill will also be cleaned up and flood protection at Cleddau River will be improved. 'There will be improved amenities, including much-needed new facilities at Deepwater Basin where we are replacing the recreational boat ramp.' Funding for the improvements will come from the International Visitor Levy ($8.2 million) and the Department of Conservation's capital works programme ($7m). Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said Milford Sound Piopiotahi had a key role to play in helping the country's tourism sector bounce back from the Covid hangover. 'We are supporting the local economy and providing certainty for operators by enabling cruise ships and aircraft to continue to access the fjord, rejecting a previous proposal to ban this. 'We know Milford Sound Piopiotahi, Mitre Peak Rahotū, the bush, the sea and the wildlife play an integral part in capturing the hearts and minds of millions of tourists dreaming of a visit to this wilderness area.' Mr Potaka said the next tranche of work would involve the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai engaging with Ngāi Tahu, and stakeholders such as local government and the tourism industry on further initiatives. 'These include collaborating on investment opportunities along Milford corridor, developing a multi-year investment plan for the area, and considering improved planning tools, such as a Special Amenities Area within Fiordland National Park.' Note:
Scoop
17 hours ago
- Scoop
TIA Welcomes Milford Opportunities Project Investment And Direction
Press Release – Tourism Industry Association TIA has supported the Milford Opportunities Project and been an active participant in the process, advocating on behalf of and providing opportunities for its members to take part in each consultation phase. Tourism Industry Aotearoa's Chief Executive Rebecca Ingram, says that today's announcement on the future of the Milford Opportunities Project will be a relief for many, providing long-awaited direction for the industry and the region. In a joint announcement, Minister of Conservation, Hon Potaka, and Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Hon Upston, outlined an investment of $15.2 million to upgrade infrastructure and enhance conservation at Milford Sound Piopiotahi to sustainably grow tourism while protecting the local region and its important conservation. 'Today's announcement addresses long standing uncertainty for the industry, especially for the aviation community and cruise industry and provides direction for those wishing to invest in the region,' says Ms Rebecca Ingram. 'There are a lot of things that the industry can agree on when it comes to Milford and improving the experience and safety are two of them. We have been strong advocates for a well-managed experience that is great for visitors, community, business and for the environment.' Ms Ingram said that since the project commenced in 2017, some contentious matters have needed to be considered, and the project has gone through numerous iterations. 'We look forward to working with the Department of Conservation as the proposal goes from plan into action. Over the coming days we will fully review the details and will promptly get in touch with our members to understand their views.' TIA has supported the Milford Opportunities Project and been an active participant in the process, advocating on behalf of and providing opportunities for its members to take part in each consultation phase. Ms Ingram says that this is another example of the Minister for Tourism and Hospitality making positive shifts and giving the industry momentum. 'The International Visitor Survey data released yesterday, reinforces the significant contribution tourism makes to New Zealand's economy, with spend up 9.2% to $12.2 billion for the year ending March 2025. 'The announcement is a positive step forward for the Milford region, supporting both enhancement and protection of the iconic landscape while also providing direction that will help attract investment to boost the local economy.' Government to protect and enhance Milford Sound Piopiotahi.
