The visitors were in town for board meetings on Wednesday (22.4.26) before spending Thursday out experiencing the region first-hand.
Mayor John Funnell welcomed the group on Wednesday morning before a visit to He Whare to see where mana whenua Ngāti Tūwharetoa and the region are partnered together for economic development.
They also had a networking function with local tourism operators and regional leaders, Mayor Funnell, Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton, and representatives of regional tourism organisation Visit Ruapehu at The Bistro on Wednesday evening.
Patrick Dault, General Manager of Destination Great Lake Taupō, said the visit was significant for the region and its operators.
“The support of both RTOs and our local leaders endorsed the shared ambition across the Central North Island to grow as a cohesive and compelling international destination,” Dault said. “Conversations were positive and forward-looking — how to diversify markets, build sustainable growth, and ensure tourism delivers lasting benefits for local communities.”
"Having Tourism New Zealand's Board and Executive team here was both a thrill for us and a real vote of confidence from them in what Taupō has to offer brand New Zealand,” Dault said.
“We gave our visitors a heartfelt Taupō welcome, and let the destination speak for itself, as they connected directly with the operators who deliver these world-class Taupō experiences every day.”
Thursday’s programme included a cruise on Lake Taupō to the Ngātoroirangi Māori Rock Carvings with Chris Jolly Outdoors, and a Māori welcome, cultural experience and traditional hāngi lunch at The Haka Shop. In the afternoon, they visited Huka Honey Hive and enjoyed a Hukafalls Jet boat ride to iconic Huka Falls.
Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive René de Monchy says Tourism New Zealand is focused on growing international visitor arrivals to New Zealand and works in close partnership with regional tourism organisations like Destination Great Lake Taupō. “International visitor spend is up around the country and it’s by working with RTOs that we can continue to support regional communities like Taupō, which is full of fantastic tourism offerings that help us stand out on the world stage. Being able to engage with the RTO, local government and the tourism businesses that shape Taupō’s offering helps us to work together to ensure tourism benefits us all,” he says.
The visit cements Taupō’s reputation as a key component of New Zealand’s international tourism story — and signalled a shared commitment to the region’s long-term future, Dault said.
Destination Great Lake Taupō and Tourism New Zealand continue to work in close partnership as the region grows its reputation as a must-visit destination for visitors from across Aotearoa and around the world.
NOTES:
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MBIE Monthly Regional Tourism Estimates show international visitor spend was up 9% in Taupō to $241m in the year to March 2026.
