In this topic, let’s take a look at what tourists are drawn to and what they wish to take part in when visiting the varied parts of our unique land.
Attractions and activities are important and may be the main reason a tourist will want to visit a destination. They are also important because once a tourist reaches a destination, they want to be able to see and experience all they can in the area.
Attractions and activities may also mean that tourists stay longer in one place because there is so much to see and do. This is why some places in New Zealand are more popular than others, i.e. because there is more to see and do. Hence, that is why some regions earn more from tourism – the more there is to see and do, the longer people will stay – and spend more!
Examples of the importance of attractions and activities:
- When Te Papa – our national museum in Wellington- opened many people travelled to the capital to visit this attraction – and still do for new exhibitions.
- AJ Hackett offered bungy jumping in Queenstown, and coach tour companies were quick to include this as an option for those on their tours.
- Without the Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton, would thousands of tourists visit the Waikato region?
There are two types of attractions and activities.
Natural Attractions are those that occur in nature e.g. mountains, lakes, rapids, waterfalls, and forests. These attractions are often altered or enhanced by man e.g. ski fields. They still remain however as natural attractions since the attraction is the ski field.
Constructed Attractions are those that have been created by man and which need to be maintained e.g. amusement parks, zoos, historic buildings, and events such as wine festivals. If it wasn’t made, then there would not be an attraction on this site.
Te Papa
Te Papa is located on the waterfront of our nation’s capital, Wellington and it is New Zealand’s national museum. Te Papa opened its doors on 14 February 1998 in a ceremony lead by Sir Peter Blake and then Prime Minister, Jenny Shipley. Within the first five months of operation, Te Papa had one million visitors!
Te Papa features five floors of the nation’s nature, art, history and heritage which a visitor can view either independently or there are various guided tours available for all visitors. Both short and long term exhibits are housed at Te Papa and admission is free; however, there is an entry fee for some short term special exhibits.
If you need a break, there are two cafes available on the premises, the Te Papa Café and Espresso are located on levels one and four.
Driving Creek Railway
http://www.drivingcreekrailway.co.nz/
Voted 65th of the “101 Must Dos for Kiwis”.
If there is one New Zealand experience which captures our ‘innovative, can-do’ Kiwi attitude it is riding on Barry Brickell’s Driving Creek Railway in Coromandel town.
The one-hour mountain railway ride from the Driving Creek terminus, through regenerating native forest to the Eyefull Tower, with its stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf, is a result of the lifetime project for one of the Coromandel’s true characters.
As New Zealand’s first full time potter, Barry constructed a narrow gauge railway up the mountain so he could transport clay from the hills for his pottery, but became so inundated with requests for rides on his railway he opened it to the public.
The ride departs from the Driving Creek terminus where resident potters and glassblowers can be found busy at work, and exploring the arts centre on site is an experience in its own right.
The railway zigzags its way through lush regenerating native forest over bridges, through tunnels and past sculptures and water features
Waitomo Caves
World renowned and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves occupy a high placing in almost everyone’s New Zealand holiday wish-list.
The Waitomo glowworm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as our expert guides provide informative commentary on the Caves' historical and geological significance.
There are three caves which visitors can explore, the famous Glowworm Cave, the Aranui Cave and the Ruakuri Cave, each guided tour takes approximately 45 minutes. Black Water rafting is also available for thrill seekers with two tours available, the Black Abyss and the Black Labyrinth.
Other attractions at the caves include a cultural show, gardens, wildlife park, walks and scenic reserves. There are two cafés in Waitomo, the Long Black Café and the Huhu Café.
Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga is (mainland) New Zealand’s most northern point located on the Auporu Peninsula. This is a very popular tourist destination which sees over 200,000 visitors flocking to the lighthouse every year, and every day during the peak season around 1,500 vehicles arrive to view this attraction.
Within the area, there are two scenic reserves, close to 1000 recorded archaeological sites and of course the well-known Cape Reinga Lighthouse which was built in 1941.
This area is steep in Maori tradition and it is the most spiritually significant site in the country. All Maori spirits travel here and descend into the sea below, they then climb out on to Ohaua which is the highest point of the Three Kings Islands to bid their last farewell before returning to the land of their ancestors, Hawaiiki-A-Nui.