AGP Executive Report

Auckland Weekend Travel: Auckland Transport expects delays as crowds head to Saturday’s matches and concerts. Extra bus and train capacity is planned, but some passengers may face waits. Piha Camping: The campground reopens on Monday after nearly five months closed over flood concerns. The local board approved a summer reopening with warning, monitoring and evacuation measures, despite council staff recommending closure. Summer Airfares: More international seats are coming, with Auckland capacity up 5% and Christchurch’s up 21%, but cheaper tickets aren’t guaranteed: international airfares rose 21.5% in the year to August. Visitor Recovery: International arrivals have reached 99% of pre-Covid levels, while airlines are adding 48,000 seats for Chinese visitors expected in Auckland this summer.

Visitor Recovery: International arrivals have reached 99% of pre-Covid levels, with Aotearoa expecting a summer surge. Waikato tourism is also back to pre-pandemic boom levels. Auckland Stays: SkyCity has agreed to sell The Grand Hotel for NZ$221 million, but will continue operating it until June 2027. Cruise and Weather: Napier’s first cruise visit of the season was cancelled because of bad weather, while snow and falling temperatures are affecting parts of New Zealand. 2027 Outlook: Christchurch has made a global top 10 list of trending destinations, and record Chinese visitor numbers are expected this summer as airlines add 48,000 seats to Auckland.

Visitor Recovery: International arrivals have reached 99% of pre-Covid levels as New Zealand looks toward a busy summer. Chinese visitors were up 32% in August compared with 2019, and more travellers are coming outside peak periods. Christchurch Spotlight: Booking.com has named Christchurch one of its top 10 destinations for 2027, citing the rebuilt city centre, riverside paths and easy access to outdoor adventures. Cruise Costs: From July 2027, cruise passengers will pay NZ$19.91 less in combined border levies, with the arrival charge dropping from NZ$27.14 to NZ$7.20. Air Links: Delta has resumed Auckland–Los Angeles flights, adding capacity as it anticipates stronger summer demand.

Travel Disruptions: An eGate outage at Auckland and Christchurch airports prompted delay warnings, while travellers heading to the Pacific are being urged to plan ahead for cyclone season. Air Links and Visitor Demand: Delta has resumed Auckland–Los Angeles flights ahead of summer, as growing airline capacity is expected to bring record numbers of visitors from China. New Zealand’s international tourism is also nearing pre-pandemic levels. 2027 Destinations: Christchurch has made a global top 10 list of trending travel destinations for next year, and Wellington could get a boost from tourists keen to visit filming locations for The Hunt for Gollum. Tourism Policy: Election debate is sharpening over how to fund the visitor economy, with the Greens backing council powers to introduce bed levies and an industry voice arguing that a rates cap won’t solve tourism’s funding challenges. Regional Appeal: Rotorua’s Wai Ariki spa has earned global recognition, adding to the region’s draw for visitors.

Summer Tourism Jobs: SEEK says hospitality and tourism vacancies rose 3% in September as businesses prepare for summer, with demand growing for travel agents, tour guides and airline staff. Bed Levy Debate: The Greens and Labour back giving councils the power to charge visitor accommodation levies, with the Greens proposing locally set rates and higher charges for some short-term rentals. Christchurch’s Rising Profile: Ōtautahi has made a global top 10 list of trending destinations for 2027, recognised for its regenerated centre, food scene, cultural attractions and nearby outdoor adventures. More Air Links: Auckland is forecast to welcome a record number of Chinese visitors this summer, with airlines adding 48,000 seats; Delta has also resumed Auckland–Los Angeles flights ahead of peak travel. Pacific Travel: New Zealand’s international tourism is nearing pre-pandemic levels, while holidaymakers are being urged to plan ahead as cyclone season approaches.

Tourism rebound: International visitor numbers continued to rise in August, led by Chinese travellers. Auckland is forecasting a record summer for Chinese visitors, with airlines adding 48,000 seats. Local tourism funding: The Greens would let councils introduce a bed levy, including a higher rate for short-term rentals, to help pay for infrastructure used by visitors. Travel costs: A proposed rule would require airlines to show full fares and disclose data-based pricing, giving travellers clearer price comparisons. Spring conditions: Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast across parts of the country, with warnings and watches that could affect travel, especially in Buller, Wellington and the Marlborough Sounds. Getting around: Ferry and air arrivals are feeding road trips across the top of the South, while Auckland’s City Rail Link recorded more than two million train trips in its first month. New itineraries: Intrepid is adding more than 80 trips for 2027, including cycling in New Zealand and new family, walking and nature-focused options.

Visitor Recovery: Overseas arrivals reached 248,700 in August, up 18,400 on a year earlier and nearing pre-pandemic levels. Australia, Taiwan and Singapore recorded their highest August visitor numbers. China Connections: Chinese visitors led the annual increase, while new airline capacity is expected to add 48,000 seats to Auckland this summer, supporting a record season. Tourism Funding: The Greens want councils to be able to set local bed taxes, responding to pressure on infrastructure in destinations including Queenstown and Auckland. Getting Around: Auckland’s City Rail Link carried more than two million trips in its first month, with two-thirds travelling through the new tunnels and stations. Visitor Experiences: Rotorua’s Wai Ariki spa has received national and international awards for its Māori wellness offering. Airfare Transparency: A proposed New Zealand plan would require airlines to display full fares and disclose data-based pricing.

Airfare Rules: Labour is proposing shared access to regional airport facilities, automatic refunds for major flight changes and clearer upfront fares, including disclosure of data-based pricing. The measures are campaign promises, not current rules. Flight Deals: Qantas has launched a New Zealand sale with fares from $289, offering a fresh option for travellers planning a trip across the Tasman. Cruise Season: Tauranga’s season has opened with Celebrity Edge’s arrival, bringing the first major cruise call of the season to the Bay of Plenty. Airline Links: Air New Zealand has outlined a proposed closer relationship with Virgin Australia, which could reshape trans-Tasman travel options if it proceeds. Airport Disruptions: Passport-control and eGate failures at Auckland and Christchurch airports caused delays, a reminder to allow extra time for departures.

Airline Links: Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia are seeking approval for closer cooperation, which they say could improve convenience and fares for Kiwi travellers as Air NZ’s Qantas codeshare ends next April. Cruise Season: Tauranga has welcomed the Celebrity Edge, with passengers heading on tours to Hobbiton, Rotorua and Mt Ruapehu — many visiting New Zealand for the first time. Queenstown Adventures: A Labour Weekend guide recommends booking bungy jumps early, with Kawarau and Nevis among the highlights; AJ Hackett crews also operate in Taupō and Auckland. Northland Road Trips: NZTA is lowering limits on five highway sections after community requests, including stretches of SH1 and SH10 returning to 80km/h, prompting the AA to call for more consistent changes. Christchurch Festival: Electric Avenue plans 4,000 extra tickets for its sold-out 2027 event, but they will be available only to greater Christchurch residents.

Travel Alerts: New Zealand has urged people not to travel to Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport or the provinces of Najran, Jazan and Asir, and to avoid non-essential trips to Saudi Arabia after attacks on airports. Riyadh’s airport closure has been extended as authorities check its safety. Airport Experience: Wellington Airport has opened a Corona-themed bar near Gate 14, with runway and Lyall Bay views, adding another pre-flight dining option. International Connections: Christchurch Airport is preparing for a record international summer, with 1.27 million seats scheduled. Regional Tourism: Auckland’s economic strength can help draw visitors and business activity to Northland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, according to regional business advocate Matt Cowley.

Airport Update: A Customs eGate outage at Auckland and Christchurch airports was resolved by mid-morning Monday, but longer passport-control waits may continue. Travellers should check airline updates. Visitor Demand: Travel to New Zealand doubled during China’s Golden Week, as 4.4 million mainland Chinese made outbound trips and more holidaymakers took extended breaks. Nelson Tasman: Three luxury retreats have earned international recognition, raising the region’s profile with high-spending visitors. Christchurch Connections: Singapore Airlines says it has carried more than 2.3 million customers on over 10,000 flights between Singapore and Christchurch. The route now operates daily, and since 2022 has carried 3.3 million kilograms of Canterbury cherries to Singapore.

Event Travel: Eden Park is seeking urgent transport improvements after thousands of fans faced long waits for trains following the All Blacks’ win over Australia. The stadium hosts the opening New Zealand–India ODI on November 4, making reliable match-day transport a pressing issue. Summer Air Links: Christchurch Airport is preparing for a record international summer, with 1.27 million seats scheduled. Visitor Safety: A wildfire near Queenstown grew to 1,200 hectares amid strong winds; visitors should check local updates before travelling. Airport Experience: Wellington Airport has earned a top ranking for sustainability and community support.

Eden Park Transport: Thousands of fans faced long waits for city-bound trains after the All Blacks’ win, prompting the stadium’s boss to call for urgent transport improvements. Auckland Transport blamed a level-crossing issue; some passengers waited up to 45 minutes. Aotearoa by Sea and Air: A family’s Milford Sound flight became a highlight when the pilot invited a 10-year-old into the cockpit, while a Sydney-to-Auckland cruise showcased wildlife around Port Chalmers and the South Island’s fiords. Airline Passenger Rights: Labour says it would require airlines to show full prices upfront and automatically refund customers for cancelled or significantly delayed flights. Destination Spotlight: Lonely Planet’s 2027 list includes Dunedin and the Waitaki, putting the South Island region among its recommended places to visit.

Event Travel: Thousands of fans faced waits of up to 45 minutes for trains after Auckland’s sold-out Bledisloe Cup match, renewing questions about crowd transport from Eden Park. Air Links: Christchurch Airport is preparing for a record 1.27 million international seats this summer, while Starlux is planning a new Taipei–Auckland service. Accommodation: Drifter plans to bring its hotel-hostels to Wellington and Auckland, adding new options for visitors. Travel Rules: Labour has proposed automatic refunds for cancelled flights and all-in airfares on major New Zealand airlines. Regional Tourism: A new report says Otago’s spread-out attractions continue to make self-drive travel important to the region.

Airline Passenger Rights: Labour is promising automatic refunds for cancelled flights and upfront, all-in fares on major New Zealand airlines if elected; the proposals are not yet in force. Travel Disruption: A fire near Queenstown has grown to 1,200 hectares amid strong winds, so visitors should check local updates before travelling. Summer Capacity: Christchurch Airport is preparing for a record international summer, with 1.27 million seats scheduled. New Connections: Starlux plans a Taipei–Auckland service with a trans-Tasman leg, adding another option for international travellers. Regional Tourism: Kaikōura tourism is bouncing back after July’s floods, while a proposed passenger rail return between Christchurch and Dunedin could boost South Island travel.

Airline Rules: Labour has pledged automatic refunds for cancelled flights and upfront, all-in fares on New Zealand’s major airlines; the proposals are not yet in force. Summer Flights: Christchurch Airport is preparing for a record international summer, with 1.27 million seats expected. Regional Connections: Air Chathams has received a $1.2 million government grant to support operations. Road Trips: Otago’s far-flung attractions keep self-drive travel popular, though petrol has climbed to a record average of $3.53 a litre. Queenstown Update: Firefighters are battling a blaze near Queenstown that has grown to 1,200 hectares amid strong winds.