Stories by Tess Brunton
News
Government's 'put tourism on the back burner'
Queenstown businesses are questioning why Tourism Minister Kelvin Davis has been absent for so long from the struggling resort town.
'Dated' concessions at national parks prompt call for overhaul
Tourism operators claim the concessions granted by the Department of Conservation are outdated and taking far too long to be approved.
2020 ski season kicks off as first field opens for the winter
The ski season kicks off from today as Canterbury's Mt Hutt welcomes people back to the slopes under the new normal.
'You sort of feel quite good': Displaced workers fell wilding pines
Hundreds of displaced Queenstown workers may be used to help tackle a growing pest problem - wilding pines. Video
Queenstown welfare hub sessions booked out in hours
With a second wave of redundancies expected in the coming weeks, there are high hopes the centre can help ease the stress for many across the district.
Covid-19: Auction tests demand for Queenstown property
Bidders in Queenstown have started testing the water in one of the country's most expensive property markets.
Immigration NZ to send workers to Queenstown to help migrant workers and employers
Immigration NZ will send a team of staff to support migrant workers and employers in Queenstown as some prepare to lose the wage subsidy.
Filipino migrants struggle with debts amid uncertainty
The Queenstown Association of Migrant Pinoys says more than 500 Filipino migrants have sought welfare support in the resort town.
Chatham Islands offers 'overseas' holiday during Covid crisis
Chatham Islands tourism operators hit hard by the lockdown are hoping New Zealanders will head to the archipelago for an "overseas" holiday.
Queenstown workers in limbo after job losses: 'I'm pretty much trapped here'
Video - The stress is continuing to grow for redundant Queenstown workers as reduced rents return to normal. Video
Early-morning bungy jump prelude to flights resuming
Queenstown has rolled out the welcome mat to domestic visitors with the return of the first passenger flights since 1 April.
Tourism minister under fire for not acting fast enough
Many tourism jobs have already been cut as the sector waits for details of a support package to be announced in Thursday's Budget, operators say.
Ski operators pleased to open even if numbers drop sharply
Ski resorts expect visitor numbers will be cut in half as border closures keep international visitors off the slopes.
Redundant hotel worker: 'We've never felt so helpless'
Thousands of tourism and aviation workers have been left reeling in the wake of widespread redundancies.
Frustration with national park rules
Fiordland tourism operators say the rules governing the national park are outdated and leave no room for common sense.
Long winter ahead for Fiordland tourism operators
Fiordland tourism operators say they've been taking hit after hit since the end of last year, and they're not sure how many will be left standing.
Tourists hunker down rather than fly with baby
A Spanish couple say they are anxious about taking a repatriation flight with their six-month-old baby.
Tourism job cuts a 'horror story' for Queenstown - mayor
The mayor of Queenstown Lakes has described plans to cut hundreds of tourism jobs as a horror show.
Queenstown renters struggling to survive in lockdown
Queenstown is facing a new wave of rental challenges as some tenants face high rents with limited to no income.
Covid-19: Tourism industry welcomes reboot plans
Tourism Industry Aotearoa's boss says the newly announced plan for a sector shake-up is a chance to enhance to become the "most environmentally protective" and sustainable tourism industry in theā¦
Tourists face hefty plane ticket costs to return home during lockdown
Overseas visitors are paying thousands of dollars for flights home or are facing being left in limbo in lockdown.
Tourism eyes post lockdown rebound
The tourism industry is in survival mode as it braces for extended border closures.
Stranded tourists hunkered down on lawns, high-rent homes
Belgian tourist Lisa Callebaut thought she was safely tucked up in a campsite on Monday when news came through that within 48 hours she would be joining the nationwide lockdown.
'Left in limbo': Fears for foreign hospitality workers who lose jobs
Thousands of migrant workers in Queenstown may struggle to have food or shelter after losing their jobs and becoming stranded.
Tourists in New Zealand urged to 'get home as soon as you can'
Tens of thousands of people may be left stranded in New Zealand as popular transit airports start to close their doors.