Stories by Tess Brunton

Bookings are steadily streaming into businesses in the Mackenzie District ahead of borders reopening next month.

Southland is grappling with an extreme dry spell that has prompted water restrictions across the region and a total fire ban.

Former tourism workers are taking the plunge back into the hard-hit industry, saying they cannot wait to welcome back visitors.

Auckland businesses say a voucher scheme aimed to get locals to explore their own backyard has been a lifeline after lockdown.

The Prime Minister has gone on a marketing blitz to reel Australians to our shores. Audio

South Westland businesses say the border reopening dates mean they can start edging out of survival mode after two years of hanging on by their fingernails.

Tourist operators in hardest-hit regions can soon apply to the government's $49m kick-start fund to help get ready for the return of international visitors.

Financial uncertainty has not deterred some West Coast business owners who have taken the plunge and set up shop in the midst of the pandemic.

Tourism operators are hopeful the border could be open in time for Australians to eat our hot cross buns this Easter.

Tourism businesses in the five hardest-hit regions say targeted government funding has been a boon but not a silver bullet.

The head of Tourism New Zealand says 2022 looks like the year of reopening, but he acknowledges it will be a bumpy road ahead.

Cruise companies say they do not know when they will be able to return to Aotearoa and their preparation deadline is rapidly approaching.

Plans to potentially treble the Stewart Island visitor levy are back on the table, but the local community board did not want the levy bumped above $10.

Tourism operators are pleased to see self isolation for travellers kicked to the curb, but say they still need answers about the border.

With borders closed, more New Zealanders have been ticking the Chatham Islands off their bucket list than before the pandemic.

It's an Orientation Week like no other for hundreds of Otago University students stuck isolating with Covid or as close contacts.

A colony of little blue penguins in North Otago's Ōamaru has gone from being a nuisance to the stars of a show that supports not only their own conservation, but helps to protect their species. Video

While ski fields are pleased to welcome travellers back to the slopes after the government announced its border reopening plan, the industry says their hopes might be shot if self-isolation rules keep… Audio

Tourism operators are keen to roll out the welcome mat for international visitors but say the current isolation rules will keep many away.

An Otago scheme aimed at keeping floodwaters at bay is under review with climate change looming as a potential challenge.

For weeks, operators in tourism hot spots geared up to welcome visitors during what was usually the peak season. But did that translate to boots on the ground for businesses?

Roberts is leaving his post in January, but says he is proud of the tourism industry's efforts through the pandemic and while the future isn't certain, he's got thoughts on what's next.

Trampers who plan to walk the Rakiura Track on Stewart Island this summer are being offered the option of a refund as the battle against bed bugs continues.

The government has unveiled a roadmap to overhaul antiquated and inadequate conservation laws while stepping up plans to address long-standing problems in the short term.

The conference industry is looking for solutions and optimism as it wrestles with significant losses from the pandemic.