Canterbury attractions rate best in must-do list
New Zealander’s voted and Canterbury visitor attractions Hamner Springs Thermal Pools and Spa and Black Cat Cruise’s Akaroa Harbour trips were first and third on the Automobile Association’s list of the country’s 101 must-do’s for Kiwis.
Black Cat Cruises Managing Director Paul Bingham said the campaign was a great way to inspire domestic travel and he was “extremely pleased” to see the company’s Akaroa Harbour Cruises do so well and that it was a real shot in the arm for the region’s tourism operations heading into the summer season.
“To have two attractions in the top three was a great result for Canterbury tourism,” he said. “We would like to thank everyone who voted for us. Black Cat Cruises has strong customer relationships from a loyal base. We leveraged social media to ask for support for the survey and got some fantastic feedback and guests posted some great photos.”
““We have just entered our twenty eighth year of operations from the Main Wharf of Akaroa, and while other cruise operators have come and gone we have been there consistently in winter and summer through both good and challenging times and have worked hard to lead the promotion of Akaroa over that time.”
Bingham said it was also great recognition for team at Black Cat Cruise’s who “turn a boat ride into a world class experience with the accent on fun and entertainment.”
General Manager of marketing for AA Tourism, Rebecca Cherry, said the list generated "friendly industry rivalry and lots of positive community engagement."
"We know from recent research that 69 per cent of Kiwis would like to travel more domestically and that 62 per cent of us research our holidays online, so engaging people in the 101 Must-Do's' online poll was a perfect way to increase awareness of New Zealand's diverse domestic travel offering," she said.
Martin Snedden, Chief Executive of the Tourism Industry Association applauded the initiative, saying AA Tourism’s 101 Must-Do’s List was exactly the sort of positive engagement the tourism industry needed.
“Many people aren’t aware that domestic tourism generates $36 million in activity every day for our economy resulting in the creation of thousands of jobs throughout New Zealand," he said.
The 101 Must-Do’s refreshed website and new Facebook application made voting easy and keen photographers were encouraged to upload photos to win prizes.
Bingham said Black Cat Cruises planned to promote the win in future advertising, online and on staff uniforms.
The top 20:
1. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
2. Polynesian Spa
3. Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises (Black Cat Cruises)
4. Heliview Taranaki
5. The Otago Central Rail Trail
6. Cruise Doubtful Sound
7. TranzAlpine Rail Journey
8. Tongariro Alpine Crossing
9. Hot Water Beach Natural Hot Springs
10. Cathedral Cove & Cathedral Cove Walk
11. Interislander Ferry
12. Heliview Ohakune
13. The Lost Spring
14. White Island Tours
15. Abel Tasman National Park & Abel Tasman Coast Track
16. Wairere Boulders
17. WOMAD
18. Cape Reinga
19. Bay of Islands
20. The Waterworks