Tess Brunton

Auckland businesses are calling it a lifeline - a voucher scheme that's got locals exploring their own back yard.

The government funded $9 million programme kicked off late last year offering… Audio

The Prime Minister has gone on a marketing blitz to reel Australians to our shores.

Tourism operators are racing to ramp up in time - with less than four weeks to go before those crossing the Tasman… Audio

South Westland businesses say the border reopening dates mean they can start edging out of survival mode after two years of hanging on by their fingernails.

Close to 400 jobs were lost in the area… Audio

Financial uncertainty hasn't stopped some West Coasters who have taken the plunge and set up shop in the midst of the pandemic.

There was nearly a 70 per cent drop in spending by visitors to Franz… Audio

Tourism operators are hopeful the border could be open in time for Aussies to eat our hot cross buns this Easter.

The Prime Minister is due to announce plans to fast-track the reopening of the border… Audio

Tourism businesses in the five regions hit hardest by the pandemic say targeted government funding has been a boon but not a silver bullet.

Last year, Minister Stuart Nash unveiled a $200 million… Audio

The cruise ship industry is urging the government to hurry up and reopen the maritime border.

The government has announced a phased reopening of the border but it's focused on air, not sea travel.

… Audio

Tourism operators are pleased to see self isolation for travellers kicked to the curb, but say they still need answers about the border.

By the end of the week, self isolation will be a thing of the… Audio

With borders closed, more New Zealanders have been ticking the Chatham Islands off their bucket list than before the pandemic.

Air Chathams visitor arrivals were up 80-percent last year compared to… Audio

This year's Orientation Week at Otago University is like no other, with hundreds of students stuck isolating due to Covid.

The southern city recorded its first community case of the latest outbreak… Audio

Now to Oamaru, where a colony of Little Blue Penguins has gone from being a nuisance to the stars of a show that helps to support their own conservation.

The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony is managed by… Audio

The isolation rules for travellers could put the skids on this year's ski season. The border announcement means Australians and other travellers who don't need a visa will be allowed in by July at the… Audio

Tourist operators are keen to roll out the welcome mat for international visitors but say the current isolation rules will keep many away.

The Prime Minister has unveiled a five stage plan for… Audio

It's been another summer without international visitors - the lifeblood for five tourist hotspots.

For weeks, operators in Fiordland, South Westland, Queenstown, Mackenzie and Kaikōura geared up to… Audio

Trampers who plan to walk the Rakiura Track on Stewart Island this summer are being offered the option of a refund as the battle against bed bugs continues.

The bugs reached infestation levels last… Audio

The conference industry is looking for solutions and optimism as it wrestles with significant losses from the pandemic.

An industry worth $1.5 billion two years ago has been slashed by almost three… Audio

Now to Otago, where lax landowners will soon have to foot the bill if the regional council has to step in and deal with their rabbit problems.

The Otago Regional Council has been ramping up its… Audio

Businesses in Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are hundreds of staff short for the summer season with many struggling to find and afford workers.

A recent survey paints a grim picture of South Westland… Audio

It looked like a hard sell - land stuck next to a noisy neighbour - an international airport, with high voltage cables directly overhead.

But Christchurch Airport has found a solution, devoting 400… Audio

Harsher fines and more restrictions could be on the cards for freedom campers, as the government tries to flush out the bad behaving ones.

The Tourism Minister announced a crackdown on some campers… Audio