... Still time to register for eXplore Trade Show, read about new developments and more
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Kia ora. I'm Kylie Hawker-Green, your new General Manager at Destination Hauraki Coromandel. I've only been in the role for a couple of weeks and already am so excited and inspired by the team, the industry and the community stakeholders I've had the pleasure of meeting. You all know that this place is #GoodForYourSoul, and it is such a privilege to be able to share that story with the world.
I'm living in Whangamata, and will be spending summer getting around the Hauraki Coromandel region and hoping to get to meet many industry stakeholders as I tiki tour around... but I know you'll be rather busy! If you'd like me to pop in, please feel free to email me or text me on 027 444 3939.
This is our last newsletter for the year, and it's got a lot of content. Read on for some great news around new developments in the region, some strong Spring trading statistics, updates on our new Australia marketing campaign that kicks off soon, and a reminder about registering for eXplore 2026.
The DHC office will be closed from midday on 24 December and will reopen at 9am on Monday 5 January 2026. Feel free to text or email me if you need any support over that time. On behalf of Megan, Casey, Cara and the DHC Board, I wish you and yours a safe, happy and prosperous festive season.
eXplore 2026
7 May 2026 - Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland - Registrations OPEN now!
Each year, over 100 tourism operators from eight Central North Island regions come together with tourism sellers at Eden Park, Auckland for the annual eXplore Show, a cornerstone event on New Zealand’s tourism trade calendar.
DHC is inviting tourism businesses interested in growing their international client base to consider attending. The eXplore Show is an ideal starting point for new connections, as well as a valuable opportunity for established operators to maintain and strengthen existing trade relationships.
The event attracts a wide range of travel partners, from product buyers and decision-makers at inbound and wholesale companies to frontline staff from i-Sites, retail travel agencies, and inbound/wholesale operators, along with Tourism New Zealand trade and media teams. In past years, buyers have flown in from across the country and Australia to attend.
Exhibitors have the valuable opportunity to network with other local products, attend a business development workshop, and at the show establish important sales contacts, making it an essential part of your annual marketing strategy.
Be sure to set aside two days (6 & 7 May 2026) to attend this event, for travel, setting up your stand, exclusive exhibitor business sessions on May 6th, and exhibiting at the eXplore Show itself on May 7th.
DHC commits to this event every year and would love you to join us. Find out more here or download the prospectus and registration form. If you have any questions, please contact us.
Note: Payment for eXplore isn't due till March 2026. Exhibitor Registrations close 20 February 2026.
Tasman Holiday Parks - Miranda... multi-million dollar refurbishment almost complete!
The finishing touches are being made to the new and enhanced facilities at Tasman Holiday Parks - Miranda. At the heart of the new Miranda experience is a stunning heated mineral pool. This has recently undergone a full resurfacing to enhance its appeal, cleanliness, and comfort. Designed to feel like a luxury spa, the updated pool area will invite guests to linger longer and unwind in style. In addition to the main pool, guests can look forward to secluded private hot tubs - tucked into beautifully landscaped nooks, allowing for privacy while maintaining a connection to nature. The upgrade programme also includes a brand new accommodation precinct, with six stunning 2- and 3-bedroom cabins; a new pickleball court and communal area; and a refreshed Food Truck dining precinct.
KiwiNorth Australia Campaign goes live this month - how you can maximise this $2.5 million marketing spend
As announced by Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Louise Upston, last month - Kiwi North, a collaboration of 15 North Island regional tourism organisations and major airlines, has received $2.5 million from the Regional Tourism Boost (Round 2) to target people on Australia's east coast to the North Island.
Hauraki Coromandel will benefit from this funding as a partner in the campaign, with marketing activity kicking off shortly and will run through until May 2026. Under the 'Find your North' tag, the campaign will focus on urban escapes, food and beverage, walking and cycling. Campaign activity includes Trip Advisor and Viator promotions, Expedia features, influencers and social media activity, and promotion via Campermate. Qantas and Air New Zealand are the airline partners for this campaign, which has a clear objective to grow arrivals into North Island gateways by 30 June 2026.
There are many opportunities for you to get involved and benefit from this campaign.
- VIATOR: Trip Advisors booking partner is Viator. Viator feeds 6,000 booking sites including the biggies (Trip Advisor, Booking.com, Expedia) – both B2B and B2C. Selling through them does come at a cost (ie commission). You can read more about it here - or contact us and we can send you some further information about what's involved to list.
- EXPEDIA: Is another OTA to consider... they don't take all the Viator product and do supply content to Qantas, Jetstar and AirNZ.
- CAMPERMATE: We will have a selection of Hauraki Coromandel content on Campermate - including activities, food and beverage, and camping sites (both paid and free).
- KIWI NORTH SITE: We will be feeding deals into the Kiwi north website (via TheCoromandel.nz).
As always with all campaign activity we suggest keeping your packages/offers (suggest not using the word 'deals', especially in peak season) up to date and have them live on both newzealand.com and thecoromandel.nz For more info on uploading deals contact Megan.
In case you missed it...
Hauraki Coromandel’s first season of GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL - Kaitiaki has delivered powerful environmental results, with 1,264 native trees donated, 41 business supporters, contributors from 17 countries, and 11 community-led planting sites completed, the initiative shows how tourism is a catalyst for restoration when visitors, operators and communities work with shared purpose.
The White Star Trail is a new three-day, three-night, self-guided walking experience opening this summer, inviting walkers to journey into the remote and rugged heart of the Coromandel Peninsula. Beginning at White Star Station, the trail leads through native forests, across sweeping ridgelines and past hidden waterfalls on exclusive private tracks.
The newly-launched Taranoho Scenic Walk offers two private farm walk options - a 2.5-hour route and a longer 3.5-hour experience, both available as guided or self-guided and suited to most ages and fitness levels. Along the way you’ll cross mixed terrain, including stiles over fences, and take in a blend of rolling farmland, native bush, and sweeping Coromandel views. The walk operates from October with morning and afternoon times available (and an extra early start in summer).
Thames-Coromandel District Council have published an interactive guide to Council and DOC owned/managed Trails and Tracks around the district. The interactive maps are grouped by area, or by your sole choice – hiking boot, sneaker, jandal, stiletto, pedal, paw or hoof! It’s packed with hikes with spectacular views; short, easy town walks exploring art and culture; paths to gorgeous swimming spots; mountain biking trails and dog walking or horse-riding routes. You can check it out here.
International Visitors reach 93% of pre-Covid levels... and positive indicators for Hauraki Coromandel
Nationally, overseas visitor arrivals were 262,700 in October 2025, an increase of 22,500 from October 2024. The biggest changes were in arrivals from:
- Australia (up 13,500)
- China (up 1,500)
- Korea (up 1,300)
- Taiwan (up 1,200)
- Hong Kong (up 900)
- United States (up 800)
- Japan (up 700).
The 121,100 overseas visitor arrivals from Australia were a record for an October month. The total number of overseas visitor arrivals in October 2025 was 93 percent of the 283,800 in October 2019 (before the COVID-19 pandemic).
Our October visitor volume also shows positive growth from the same month last year, and a massive 20% increase in international visitors year on year (to Oct 2025).
You can access a range of insights and data about our visitor economy from our website.
