Winter Tourism Campaign takes off

Stargazing Akaroa is just one of the many local destinations involved in a new tourism campaign, trying to entice more winter tourists to a diverse range of "bucket list" experiences in Canterbury, which launched last week.  

Stargazing Akaroa is part of two new packages in ChristchurchNZ's "Snowy Heights to Starry Nights" campaign for 2025. The "Sungaze, Graze and Stargaze" offers $25 off a romantic date for two, eating local foods, as well as solar and stargazing for three hours. The other package includes a tour from Pōhatu Penguins, 90 minutes of "pampered" stargazing at Stargazing Akaroa and two nights' accommodation at Waterfront Motel Akaroa.  

Head guide of Akaroa Stargazing, Luca Devescovi, says these packages are a good opportunity for the entire town.  

"Usually in Akaroa in winter it is a bit of a struggle, but I personally cannot complain.  

"We did very well last year and now this year, especially with the winter campaign from ChristchurchNZ, we already can see that we have good bookings for winter."  

He says Akaroa is more than a summer tourism destination.   

"We believe Akaroa's full potential has not yet been shown; it is beautiful year-round.

"Stargazing, we believe, is a good reason to [visit Akaroa]. We have some of the best skies in the country here."

He says alongside the package, their new indoor technology is a good reason to visit, as it allows stargazing year-round, no matter the weather.  

The overall campaign seeks to enhance bookings for the ultimate winter getaway through partnership packages among businesses. Approximately 70 packages are available, 40 more than last year. Packages are available for accommodation, meals and activities.  

Each package has eligibility criteria, such as "free kids' tickets only available when booked online" when tickets are purchased for at least two eligible activities. The offers run from April through to September just before the cruise and summer tourism begins again.

Christchurch's 2024/25 summer tourism season was busy with around 70 cruise ships bringing in over 140,000 tourists, generating an estimated $40 million for the local economy. Head of Visitor Economy for ChristchurchNZ Kath Low says visitor arrivals from December through to February were at a record level with an extra 53,500 people arriving at Christchurch Airport.