Tourism is now New Zealand’s largest foreign exchange generator and employs more than one in every ten people. It covers a diverse range of commercial activity and caters to both international and domestic visitors.

Tourism has grown from a predominantly passive sightseeing focused business into an energetic and interactive experience that draws people of all ages and backgrounds from around the planet in increasing numbers.

The industry has been driven by doers rather than the dreamers – innovators and pioneers like Tom and Harry Newman, the founders of the icon Newmans Group; Bill Hamilton, the inventor of the

Hamilton jet boat, Harry Wigley who first landed a light aircraft in snow, through to bungy developer AJ Hackett.

These household names are but a few of the entrepreneurs whose vision, energy and tenacity have helped turn beautiful scenery into a multi million dollar industry.

The infrastructure that has grown around the traditional outdoor experience, such as the burgeoning wine and food industry, and the abundance of quality accommodation options, makes New Zealand a must visit, must experience destination.