The regions hardest hit by Covid-19 are among New Zealand's most beautiful
The lengthening lines outside Fergburger might suggest otherwise, but New Zealand’s tourism sector is still in fight-for-survival mode.
The hardest hit regions of Fiordland, the West Coast, Queenstown and Dunedin – where spend was down 22 per cent, 20 per cent, 18 per cent and 17 per cent respectively (according to MBIE data) – are also among our most beautiful.
The problem is not that no-one wants to visit them, but that they relied heavily on overseas visitors or tourism in general before the Covid-19 pandemic struck. Even with the domestic tourists they’ve welcomed since the nationwide lockdown ended, they’re still in dire straits.
Pay them a visit on your next break and you’ll be doing them a favour they’ll repay you for many times over in terms of the adventures they offer. Of course it helps that they are all offering some pretty exceptional deals.
Become an SPCA Foster Hero!
Kitten season has arrived, and over the next six months, over 8,000 cats and kittens will come into SPCA’s care. Please help us give these babies the best start in life and sign up to be a foster parent today! It's not just cats and kittens - we are also urgently seeking foster homes for dogs and small animals.
Fostering saves lives and helps these tiny babies grow into healthy, well-adjusted adults, ready for adoption. We cover all training and costs. All you need is time and love to spare!
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What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
Poll: How should Guy Fawkes be celebrated?
While it is a fun occasion, fireworks on Guy Fawkes Night has caused much conflict over the years, upsetting our pets and disrupting the sleep of neighbours.
How should we celebrate Guy Fawkes Night? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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28.9% With a city-wide public fireworks display
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19.9% Small fireworks displays in each community
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7.3% Keep it as is
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33.5% We shouldn't celebrate it!
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9.9% Anything but fireworks
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0.5% Other - I'll share below