It’s hard to imagine now, looking at the cheerful bustle of the Green Dragon Inn, that this patch of Waikato earth was once quiet sheep country. Yet, Hobbiton's $2.6 billion economic ripple effect is just one facet of New Zealand's masterclass in screen tourism. This isn't just about stunning scenery landing movie deals; it's a story of decades of deliberate strategy – encompassing government rebates like the NZSPR explicitly tied to tourism benefits, savvy global marketing pivots from '100% Middle-earth' to 'If You Seek', deep fan engagement that fuels premium spending and crucial infrastructure development Dive into the specific data, understand the policy mechanics, and see how this potent ecosystem continues to reshape NZ's hospitality landscape, offering powerful lessons for the industry worldwide.

Dive deep into the world of New Zealand's ghost kitchens. We explore how these delivery-only operations sprung up, from the first ventures like Hot Lips to the cautionary tales like Burgered. Understand the economics, the reliance on delivery platforms, and what it all means for the future of NZ hospitality.

Cut through the noise with our essential roundup. We cover Auckland's contentious bed tax, Duck Donuts' confirmed NZ entry, the landmark $180M InterContinental sale, Gastropub awards, TNZ's India strategy, and other critical policy shifts impacting the New Zealand hospitality industry.

Saying goodbye is never easy in hospo. Join us as we raise a glass to the NZ restaurants farewelled in 2024, focusing on the stories from Auckland, Wellington & Queenstown.

Feel the buzz? Auckland's hospo scene is crackling with exciting new openings for 2025! Dive into our guide to the must-try restaurants, cafes & bars making waves.

Stepping into hospitality in New Zealand is like joining a never-ending dance with volatility—one moment you’re riding a tidal wave of tourist demand, and the next you’re wrestling with soaring operational costs, compliance headaches, or a sudden downturn. In this candid exploration, I draw on real frontline experience to shed light on how SkyCity, Restaurant Brands, and Millennium & Copthorne each tackle the punishing highs and lows of Kiwi tourism. Strap in for an insider’s perspective that slices through the usual PR fluff, revealing what truly makes these top industry players tick—and where they might stumble—amid New Zealand’s ever-shifting hospitality landscape.

In two and a half decades, Auckland’s hotel scene has soared on Cup fever, crashed in crises, built record rooms, then fought to survive a pandemic. Discover how the city keeps reinventing itself—and what lies ahead.

Think your favorite NZ wine comes from a small vineyard? Think again. Meet the three companies shaping New Zealand’s wine industry.From boutique labels to global exports, NZ wine is big business. Discover the three powerhouse companies dominating the industry.

From critical visa reforms and bold tourism campaigns to promising revenue growth, February 2025 gave New Zealand’s hospitality industry plenty to celebrate. Here’s why this matters for your hospo business.

Explore the future of Kiwi dining as young chefs blend local treasures with global techniques, turning tradition into tomorrow’s culinary art.

Ever wonder why bed taxes and premium tourist campaigns keep popping up in headlines? Meet the people behind it all—from Dr. Lockwood Smith’s whirlwind funding grants to Louise Upston’s ‘Everyone Must Go’ push—and see how 26 years of leadership transformed our tourism identity.

Discover the storied journey of New Zealand breweries—from Captain Cook’s pioneering brews to today’s dynamic craft beer revolution and post-COVID recovery

Discover the inspiring evolution of New Zealand’s hospitality—from the era of covert inspections to today’s rigorous Qualmark accreditation and influential Cuisine Magazine hat ratings. This deep dive reveals how tradition meets innovation and sustainability, shaping an industry that continuously raises the bar for quality and guest experience.

Feeling swamped by summer’s frantic pace in your café or hotel? Take five and dig into January 2025’s big-ticket hospo news—from new visa rules and B&B trends to Auckland’s cat-café obsession. We’ll walk you through the juicy details, minus the fluff—so you can get back to delighting customers and staying ahead of the competition

Discover six Kiwi legends who’ve turned local flavors into worldwide culinary fame. Whether they’re on TV or behind award-winning kitchens, these chefs are the real deal.

Meet the bloggers, chefs, and explorers who make even the most remote corners of NZ feel like the hottest spots on the global map

From Auckland’s buzzing waterfront to Invercargill’s southern charm, these six new Kiwi hotels promise fresh stays in 2025. Explore vibrant communal lounges, boutique luxury suites, and rooftop bars—plus insider deals if you book early!

The hospitality industry thrives on personal touch and exceptional service. Learn how integrating AI can amplify these elements by empowering your team with tools tailored to their needs.

We’re thrilled to showcase and celebrate the New Zealand nominees for the 2024 HM Awards, an event that recognizes the absolute best in hospitality. From luxury hotels and charming boutique properties to standout chefs and front-of-house talent, New Zealand’s venues and professionals continue to shine. As a leading hospitality recruitment agency in New Zealand, we’re proud to be part of this success by helping hotels and restaurants find the top-tier talent they need to thrive in a competitive market.