Auckland Unlimited unfazed by South Island focus of new tourism spending, new cycle trail funding announced
6 May, 2021 11:00 PM
5 minutes to read
More money is being allocated to cycle trails in the hard hit Queenstown area. Photo / Supplied
More money is being allocated to cycle trails in the hard hit Queenstown area. Photo / Supplied
Aviation, tourism and energy writer for the NZ Heraldgrant.bradley@nzherald.co.nz@gbradleynz
Hard-hit South Island tourist regions have scooped up the bulk of government spending in a rescue package, with the allocation yet to be determined to what was a key international gateway; Auckland.
Of 12 key points in a $200 million Tourism Communities Plan, half are focused on the most vulnerable South Island regions: Fiordland, South Westland, Queenstown Lakes, Mackenzie District and Kaikōura.
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Trouble in paradise: Seaside hotspot struggles as Covid bites
6 minutes to read
Kaikōura, the tourist mecca where towering mountains meet an ocean awash with whales and playful dolphins, was just recovering from the giant 2016 earthquake - and then Covid-19 struck. Herald journalists Kurt Bayer and George Heard report from a struggling seaside paradise.
Dark clouds lingered low over the Kaikōura ranges on the day the Tourism Minister came to town.
The Esplanade – the main drag – was gloomy on an eerie still day, where the squawk of seagulls hung sharply in the air.
Empty car parks, boarded-up cafes and shops.