From remote wilderness lodges and glacier overnights to new event venues and luxury golf retreats, New Zealand is expanding its tourism offering as it seeks to attract more high-value leisure and incentive travellers from Asia.

At Trenz 2026, the country's largest tourism trade event, 315 operators showcased a wave of new accommodation, attractions and experiences designed to capitalise on growing demand for travel that combines nature, culture and wellbeing.

“People travel because they are seeking a feeling,” said Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Rebecca Ingram. “Perspective. Renewal. Contact with something ancient or vast. Discovery. In our current global environment, travel is one of the few remaining forces that puts people in genuine contact with one another.”

Ingram noted that despite reduced international air capacity and wider geopolitical disruption earlier this year, international visitor arrivals have remained resilient. She attributed this to the adaptability of tourism businesses, supported by improving air connectivity as well as targeted government investment in destination marketing, business events, major events and improved visa settings.

Two golf courses housed in new luxury stay, Te Arai Links. Photo Credit: Ricky Robinson

New retreats, fresh venues

Among the newest additions to New Zealand's luxury accommodation landscape is Te Arai Links, a coastal retreat located 75 minutes from Auckland. Home to two golf courses ranked among the world's top 100, the property offers wellness facilities, stargazing experiences, kiwi spotting tours and wine-focused activities. With meeting facilities and capacity for groups of up to 65 guests, it is also targeting the corporate retreat and incentive segment.

On the South Island, boutique properties such as Seven Skies Lodge in Bannockburn and Earnscleugh Castle, which will launch the Sanctum 7 wellness retreat later this year, are adding to a growing collection of distinctive lodges catering to travellers seeking alternatives to traditional hotel stays.

Ngai Tahu Tourism, owned by the principal tribe of Te Waipounamu in the South Island, is likewise expanding its portfolio of premium nature experiences to cater to growing traveller interest.

At Franz Josef Glacier, a new overnight programme allows guests rare after-hours access to one of the country's most iconic alpine environments.

In Fiordland, the newly launched Waitai Lodge Fiordland Escape offers an exclusive wilderness retreat accessible only by air or foot, while the Hollyford Wilderness Experience combines guided walks, Maori storytelling, helicopter transfers and luxury lodge stays in a multi-day journey offering greater access to some of New Zealand's most remote landscapes.

Across the country, new infrastructure is also strengthening New Zealand's appeal for meetings, incentives, conferences and events.

In Central Otago, Te Puna Mahara, the Cromwell Memorial Event Centre, will open in July as a purpose-built venue for small and mid-sized events.

Meanwhile, Christchurch's new 30,000-seat Te Kaha stadium is expected to boost the city's ability to host major sporting fixtures and international entertainment events, including upcoming concerts by Robbie Williams and Foo Fighters.