In light of the travel restrictions announced on Saturday, the New Zealand Government and economists are urging citizens
to holiday domestically. Several Tauranga tourism businesses are helping Kiwis rise to the challenge, offering a 10%
Kiwis-only discount on premium tourism experiences to rival those found in Europe and America.
The travel restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19, announced by Jacinda Ardern at Saturday’s press conference,
will require anyone arriving in New Zealand to self-quarantine for 14 days. Ardern urged people to cancel any
unnecessary travel outside of New Zealand, and instead explore our own backyard.
There have been some concerns over how the move will affect Tourism, which is the country’s largest export industry
employing over 220,000 people. However, industry members remain hopeful that domestic travel will help lessen the
economic impact.
“14 days is the length of a lot of people’s time off, so we expect to lose a lot of our international market.” Said
Owner of Waimarino Adventure Park and Kayak Tours Blair Anderson “We are counting on Kiwi’s to get out on tours to help
keep the tourism industry alive.”
With many New Zealanders having to cancel their overseas holiday plans due to the global outbreak, the call is being
made for people to repurpose their funds and time off to see some of the wonders that home has to offer.
“Our doors are open and there are incredible experiences to be had within easy reach of your home. Seeing the light of
glow-worms bouncing off the water on a beautiful lake is just as rewarding as what you’d planned overseas,” said Blair.
Fellow Tauranga tourism operator Jay Thomas of 7 Deadly Sins agreed “There are plenty of bucket list attractions right
here in New Zealand. In Tauranga alone you can start the day driving a Ferrari and Lamborghini around some stunning
roads, then two hours later you can be flying in a helicopter, watching dolphins, or riding the waves at Mount
Maunganui.”
Waimarino Kayak Tours and Adventure Park, 7 Deadly Sins, Skydive Tauranga, Bay Explorer, River Bug NZ, Adrenalin Forest
Tauranga, Aerius Helicopters and Day Trippers are giving Kiwis a 10% discount on their tours, with more operators
expected to follow suit. To claim your discount you simply need to book before March 31st on the company’s websites
using the code TRAVELLOCAL.
When asked if engaging in tours and activities would increase peoples risk Blair said “As a community, we are constantly
increasing our standard of delivery to ensure it is done in a safe way designed to minimize the spread of the virus.”
adding that “by getting to Tauranga and putting money into local tourism businesses you are saving jobs and bolstering
our economy, but you’ll also have a bloody good holiday.”