Community-driven hospitality platform, Airbnb has announced the launch of Experiences across New Zealand, with almost 100 unique Kiwi experiences locals and travellers to book.
Locals from the North Island to the South Island can now become an Experience host and connect with a global network of more than 300 million travellers, and become micro-entrepreneurs. Airbnb Experiences allow travellers to enjoy insider access by offering magical, handcrafted activities, designed and led by inspiring locals. They go beyond typical tours or classes by immersing guests in each host’s unique world. It’s an opportunity for anyone to share their hobbies, skills, or expertise with others.
In 2017, the company welcomed more than 1.9 million guest arrivals into New Zealand, an average growth of 71 percent year-over-year. “Travellers are increasingly interested in exploring authentic experiences through the eyes of locals and with over 15,000 Experiences in more than 800 cities available to book worldwide, there is an activity on Airbnb for every kind of traveller,” says Sam McDonagh, Airbnb Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand.
“The expansion of Experiences across all of New Zealand will help to boost tourism outside of city centres by attracting more people to regional areas. Experiences are a great way for creative entrepreneurs to tap into their passions and unlock economic opportunities through the platform,” he adds.
Below are a few unique Kiwi experiences you can enjoy across the country:
Cuba Street Culinary Tour: Join self-confessed foodie Joshua, and visit exceptional restaurants around the most diverse area of Wellington – Cuba Street. Ranging from quirky to fancy, you will traverse the area, taking in sights and immersing yourself in the local foodie culture.
A City to Rebuild: Devastated by earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, Christchurch native Gordon will take you on a walking tour of the local area and show you the buildings still bearing scars from these events.
Hidden Auckland with Lunch: Explore the hidden lanes, charming squares and open spaces of New Zealand’s most diverse city on foot with your host Liz.
Wild & Peaceful NZ: Yoga, Art and Horses, witness first-hand the connection between humans and horses on this multi-day immersive experience with Rosemary.
Ride Back in Time on a Big Wheel: Get a taste for the historic experience of learning to ride a high wheel in the Victorian Precinct of Oamaru with Sophia. The penny farthing, also known as the ordinary or high wheel were an integral part of Oamaru’s landscape during its Victorian heyday of the 1880’s.
