Recovering from Disaster, New Zealand Promotes Eco-Tourism

By Li Xinyi, compiled and reported

Since New Zealand opened visa-free entry and promoted direct chartered flights at the end of 2009, it has successfully driven over a 10% increase in tourist arrivals; although parts of the country were affected by earthquakes earlier this year, most attractions in Christchurch have now returned to normal, and New Zealand’s tourism industry continues to operate as usual. To boost tourism, Tourism New Zealand and Taiwanese operators have jointly launched eco-tours in New Zealand as well as exclusive new itineraries in the South Island. They have also announced an early-bird discount promotion for the September start of the spring travel season, with savings of up to NT$6,000 on advance bookings.

This time, the market is offering a rare eco-master specialist itinerary that will take travelers to cool temperate rainforests, glacial fjords, and allow them to experience unique ecological wonders. There is also a South Island itinerary that introduces people to a different side of New Zealand, including visiting the Hanmer Springs hot spring town to enjoy geothermal hot springs, the historic Dunedin Brewery, getting up close to yellow-eyed penguins on the Otago Peninsula, and savoring Scottish-style cuisine at Larnach Castle — New Zealand’s only castle. Lion Travel has also exclusively planned a trip to the world’s first certified Starlight Reserve and the Southern Hemisphere’s best-positioned observatory to view the starry Milky Way, with the possibility of seeing the Southern Cross, visible only in the Southern Hemisphere.

This year, New Zealand is hosting two major international events — winter skiing and the September Rugby World Cup — which are expected to attract many visitors. Stephen Payton, CEO of the New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office, said that New Zealand boasts stunning scenery, precious natural resources, and a friendly, approachable culture similar to Taiwan’s, making it a pure and suitable destination for all ages, perfect for honeymoons and relaxing romantic holidays.