Latest news with #VisitRuapehu
Scoop
6 days ago
- Scoop
Mayor Welcomes Fund Raising Adventurers To Ruapehu
Press Release – Ruapehu District Council Dubbed the Alpine Odyssey Aotearoa, the expedition sees the duo skiing, hiking, cycling, and sailing the length of the country through winter, all in support of vulnerable children and climate-affected communities. Mayor Weston Kirton has welcomed adventurers Huw Kingston and Laurence Mote to Ruapehu as part of their inspiring 90-day, 4,000km journey across New Zealand to raise $75,000 for Save the Children and fund new climate-resilient classrooms in Vanuatu. Dubbed the Alpine Odyssey Aotearoa, the expedition sees the duo skiing, hiking, cycling, and sailing the length of the country through winter, all in support of vulnerable children and climate-affected communities. Their time in Ruapehu has been supported by Visit Ruapehu, the Department of Conservation, Whakapapa and Tūroa ski fields, Ngāuruhoe Ski Club, Massey University and Tukino Alpine Clubs, along with local businesses Ongarue Valley Retreat, Forgotten World Motel, and Kings Ohakune. Mayor Kirton said it was a privilege to meet the pair. 'Huw and Laurence deserve huge credit for undertaking such an ambitious and inspirational journey for causes that truly matter,' he said. 'I also want to thank Visit Ruapehu for helping coordinate their visit and acknowledge the support from our local operators, DOC, and our ski areas.' Huw and Laurence expressed their gratitude for the warm hospitality they received during their time in Ruapehu, saying they were blown away by the manaakitanga shown by the local community.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Scoop
Mayor Welcomes Fund Raising Adventurers To Ruapehu
Mayor Weston Kirton has welcomed adventurers Huw Kingston and Laurence Mote to Ruapehu as part of their inspiring 90-day, 4,000km journey across New Zealand to raise $75,000 for Save the Children and fund new climate-resilient classrooms in Vanuatu. Dubbed the Alpine Odyssey Aotearoa, the expedition sees the duo skiing, hiking, cycling, and sailing the length of the country through winter, all in support of vulnerable children and climate-affected communities. Their time in Ruapehu has been supported by Visit Ruapehu, the Department of Conservation, Whakapapa and Tūroa ski fields, Ngāuruhoe Ski Club, Massey University and Tukino Alpine Clubs, along with local businesses Ongarue Valley Retreat, Forgotten World Motel, and Kings Ohakune. Mayor Kirton said it was a privilege to meet the pair. 'Huw and Laurence deserve huge credit for undertaking such an ambitious and inspirational journey for causes that truly matter,' he said. 'I also want to thank Visit Ruapehu for helping coordinate their visit and acknowledge the support from our local operators, DOC, and our ski areas.' Huw and Laurence expressed their gratitude for the warm hospitality they received during their time in Ruapehu, saying they were blown away by the manaakitanga shown by the local community. To follow their journey, learn more about the causes, or make a donation, visit:
Scoop
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
A New Zealand Food Story With Ben Bayly Puts Ruapehu On The Map
Discover the Ruapehu region's unique food journey through the highly anticipated Season 4 TV series of A New Zealand Food Story with Ben Bayly. Chef Ben Bayly meets some of Ruapehu's passionate growers, producers and restauranteurs in the final episode screening on TVNZ 1 on Saturday July 19. 'Food experiences are a big part of what attracts visitors to destinations and showcasing Ruapehu's offering through the TV series is a fantastic way to share stories of our people and place' says Jo Kennedy, General Manager of Visit Ruapehu. The Ruapehu region has a rich grower's history, market gardening, fertile volcanic soil and is home to the carrot capital of NZ – Ohakune. Across charming mountain towns to riverside settlements, there is a year-round offering of seasonal delights and unique food experiences to taste and enjoy at local cafes, pubs and restaurants serving up fresh bites and beverages. 'Working with Ben and his incredible team has been a boost for our communities and a unique opportunity to invite viewers to come and explore Ruapehu's emerging food story,' adds Jo. The chef and TV presenter says he loved his time in the region when filming earlier in the year. 'The vast and majestic Ruapehu region, there is no place in New Zealand that compares to its beauty! I fell in love with it as a kid as Whakapapa is my home ski field,' says Bayly. 'It was amazing to head back to film A New Zealand Food Story and see that Ruapehu has so much more to offer, especially when it comes to food.' 'From growing New Zealand's best carrots grown in rich volcanic soils, to the legendary Johnny Nations eclairs in Ohakune and onto its very own truly world class restaurant –The Chef's Table at Blue Duck Station. I am over the moon that the Ruapehu district is serving up a superb regional food story,' concludes Bayly. Home to Tongariro National Park and Whanganui National Park, Ruapehu is a top destination for hiking, biking, skiing and snow sports as well as an array of authentic activities in the Central Plateau. Watch A New Zealand Food Story with Ben Bayly Season 4 final episode on Ruapehu on Saturday 19 July at 7pm on TVNZ 1 and on demand on TVNZ+.
Scoop
25-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Visit Ruapehu To Manage Isites Following Successful Trail
Press Release – Ruapehu District Council Visit Ruapehu General Manager Jo Kennedy said that the joined-up approach strengthens how we can connect with visitors and support local tourism operators. Following a successful eight-month trial, Visit Ruapehu will take full responsibility for operating the Taumarunui and Ohakune i-SITEs from the beginning of July. This change is a major step forward that is improving the visitor experience by bringing together destination marketing and on-the-ground visitor services into one streamlined approach. Executive Manager Community and Economic Development, Pauline Welch, said that bringing the management of the isites under Visit Ruapehu aligns with Council's strategic direction and core values of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and manaakitanga (hospitality), as outlined in the region's destination management plan, Tahia Ko Puanga. 'This integration creates a seamless visitor journey – from online trip planning to in-person support. It reduces duplication, lifts service quality, and opens new possibilities such as automated bookings through the Visit Ruapehu website,' she said. Visit Ruapehu General Manager Jo Kennedy said that the joined-up approach strengthens how we can connect with visitors and support local tourism operators. 'It is allowing us to maximise the use of our staff's specialist tourism skills to deliver consistent, high-quality service that reflects our region's values and aspirations.' All existing i-SITE staff have been offered new roles with Visit Ruapehu, ensuring a smooth handover and continuity of knowledge and service for both visitors and locals. The change marks a new chapter in Ruapehu's tourism journey – creating smarter, more connected, and community-aligned services to support a thriving and sustainable visitor economy.
Scoop
25-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Visit Ruapehu To Manage Isites Following Successful Trail
Following a successful eight-month trial, Visit Ruapehu will take full responsibility for operating the Taumarunui and Ohakune i-SITEs from the beginning of July. This change is a major step forward that is improving the visitor experience by bringing together destination marketing and on-the-ground visitor services into one streamlined approach. Executive Manager Community and Economic Development, Pauline Welch, said that bringing the management of the isites under Visit Ruapehu aligns with Council's strategic direction and core values of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and manaakitanga (hospitality), as outlined in the region's destination management plan, Tahia Ko Puanga. 'This integration creates a seamless visitor journey - from online trip planning to in-person support. It reduces duplication, lifts service quality, and opens new possibilities such as automated bookings through the Visit Ruapehu website,' she said. Visit Ruapehu General Manager Jo Kennedy said that the joined-up approach strengthens how we can connect with visitors and support local tourism operators. 'It is allowing us to maximise the use of our staff's specialist tourism skills to deliver consistent, high-quality service that reflects our region's values and aspirations.' All existing i-SITE staff have been offered new roles with Visit Ruapehu, ensuring a smooth handover and continuity of knowledge and service for both visitors and locals. The change marks a new chapter in Ruapehu's tourism journey - creating smarter, more connected, and community-aligned services to support a thriving and sustainable visitor economy.
