Latest news with #TheHakaShop
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa invites Indians to experience New Zealand beyond the filter
Tourism New Zealand has unveiled its new campaign, #BeyondTheFilter , starring actors and real-life couple Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa . Set against the raw beauty of Aotearoa New Zealand, #BeyondTheFilter invites Indian travellers seeking more than a holiday, but a feeling of completeness, rejuvenation and discovery In an era where travel is often reduced to perfectly curated Instagram posts and heavily filtered content, #BeyondTheFilter offers a refreshing alternative. The campaign addresses the growing fatigue among Indian travelers with manufactured 'Instagram-worthy' moments, instead celebrating genuine experiences that need no enhancement. In the campaign's cinematic mini-series, filmed across New Zealand's North Island, Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa embark on a journey which is both visually captivating and emotionally enriching. From finding serendipity within the ancient Sanctuary Mountain and turning up the thrill along Auckland's pristine waters and Taupō's majestic skies, to embracing the powerful expression of manaakitanga and whānaungatanga (Deeply-rooted expression of Māori hospitality and kinship) at The Haka Shop, the couple shed their inhibitions as they experienced parts of New Zealand's North Island in its most raw and authentic form. 'Travel for us has always been about connection — with each other, with nature, and with people we meet along the way. New Zealand gave us that and so much more, making our time together truly unforgettable,' said actor Rajkummar Rao. "In a world where we're constantly curating our lives for social media, New Zealand gave us permission to just be present. The experiences were so beautiful and genuine, we found ourselves putting our phones down and simply living in the moment," said Patralekhaa. As Indian audiences increasingly seek escape from digital pressure and crave authentic connections over manufactured moments, New Zealand emerges a strong antidote. Ancient forests, majestic coastlines, and towering mountains breathe to life through the vibrancy of New Zealand's people yielding unparalleled experiences that social media simply cannot capture or emulate. 'We're seeing a strong shift among Indian travellers toward experiences that are personal, present, and emotionally meaningful, and New Zealand is uniquely positioned to meet this growing demand. #BeyondTheFilter is part of our continued commitment to showcase New Zealand as more than just a beautiful destination — it's a place where culture, nature and connection come together to offer something truly enriching,' said Gregg Wafelbakker, regional director Asia, Tourism New Zealand. 'Rajkummar and Patralekhaa bring this message to life with their honesty and relatability. Their love for mindful travel and grounded presence make them the ideal voices for a campaign that encourages Indian travellers to embrace what's real, heartfelt, and 100 per cent unfiltered,' Wafelbakker added. Watch the video here:
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Taupō Attends TRENZ 2025
Held over two and a half days, TRENZ 2025 brought together more than 1,200 delegates, including over 340 travel buyers from 26 countries – offering a vital opportunity to drive visitation and economic growth in the Taupō region. This year, DGLT engaged in 52 meetings with key international buyers from the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, India and Asia. Taupō was well represented with support from local operators including Orakei Korako, Escape Aviation, Poronui Lodge, The Haka Shop, Chris Jolly Outdoors, and Destinate NZ. These regional experiences were showcased alongside major national brands such as AJ Hackett, Millennium, Hilton, Haka House, Ngāi Tahu, Rapids Jet, Te Pā Tū, Unique Stays and River Birches. In total, the Taupō region contributed to more than 650 meetings across the event. The projected economic benefit for Taupō from these trade relationships is estimated at $2 million. Taupō also hosted five familiarisation trips, welcoming 15 international agents to the region and showcasing over 35 operators. These immersive experiences provided a deeper understanding of Taupō's offerings – from luxury lodges and outdoor adventures to cultural and family-friendly experiences. 'It was amazing to discover a place I had not known about previously. What a delight to find a region that has so much to offer our high-net-worth clientele. Taupō packs a great offering for our Indian clients, granting access to the best of the Central North Island,' said Aneri Shah, Product Manager, A Travel Duet. 'I have been selling New Zealand for 26 years but this is the first time I've stayed in the region. I was amazed to learn that just down the road from the tourism hotspot of Rotorua, Taupō has so much to offer. I definitely need to change out some of my upcoming itineraries for my European visitors and add at least two, more like three nights in Taupō. Next year, I'll be sending my colleagues to explore,' said Damir Tomasevic, Product Manager, Pacific Travel House. 'TRENZ is a great opportunity to reconnect with agents and showcase what's new,' said Tim Barke from Poronui. 'While Poronui has been around for a while, what we offer today is essentially a new product — from luxury multigenerational lodging to experiences like horse trekking, e-biking, and guided walks across our 16,000-acre property. There's been strong interest in the lake house, our safari camp, and lodge dining. The feedback has been incredibly positive.' 'It's our first time at TRENZ, and it's been great to connect,' added Nikolos Gibson from Orakei Korako. 'We've had the chance to highlight what makes our attraction unique. Taupō remains a very underrated destination. I'd definitely attend again.' 'It's been exciting to share what we offer from a uniquely local perspective,' said Snow Rameka of The Haka Shop. 'We believe our point of difference really stands out. The chance to connect with potential clients has been valuable, especially as we look to grow. The event has been incredibly well organised — a real credit to the team.' TRENZ 2025 continues to be a powerful platform to showcase the diversity of experiences available in Taupō, strengthening its presence on the global stage and reinforcing its reputation as one of New Zealand's most welcoming and rewarding destinations.
