After a fascinating Day 1 at TRENZ 2014, I had another slate of appointments with some of the top tourism operators and travel businesses in New Zealand on Days 2 and 3 of the annual travel trade show.

That included a meeting with Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxon, who seems mighty proud of the work the top-tier airline has done, but continues to strive for innovation and superior customer service.

I also met with representatives from Napier and Wellington, as well as Pureora tourism operator Pa Harakeke Adventures.

Here are some highlights of what I discovered about New Zealand as TRENZ 2014 came to a close.

Pa Harakeke Adventures

Pa Harakeke, located in Pureora on the North Island, has something for everyone, including the Timber Trail for cyclists, Te Araroa Trail for hikers (or trampers), Mt. Pureora for mountaineers and, of course, the Pureora Forest for all-around nature lovers.

The guiding tour branch under Maraeroa C Group is a full-service tour company in its sixth year. Beyond the famous Timber Trail, Pa Harakeke offers an exclusive ginseng tour, which is in line with New Zealand’s new emphasis on attracting the Asian market. The tour—offered during New Zealand’s summer period of December to February—includes a walk around ginseng plantations and ginseng tastings.

There’s also an eco-cultural tour where visitors can learn about the nature in the Pureora region and the Maori people, as well as plant a tree. Maori food is included in the package.

According to Glen Katu, CEO of Maraeroa C Group, more than 5,000 people biked on the Timber Trail last year, and 7,000-10,000 people are expected annually in the coming years.

Maraeroa C Group has been around since 1970.

Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxon

I was able to sit down with Air New Zealand CEO Christopher Luxon on Day 2 of TRENZ 2014.

Luxon considers Air New Zealand as a tourism company of sorts, he said. The airline brought 207,000 United States visitors to New Zealand in 2013, and Luxon sees opportunity for more moving forward.

Luxon said the big obstacle for Air New Zealand has been the general American perception that New Zealand is too far.

“How do we get people to understand it’s closer than they think?” he said.

Indeed, a 13-hour plane trip from Los Angeles to New Zealand isn’t that bad when you think of it, especially considering the trip itself is rather pleasant compared to most airlines. Even the standard economy seats boast decent space (space and separation are key for Air New Zealand, Luxon said). That’s not mentioning the business premier seats, which boast lie-flat beds that are six feet, 7.5 inches across.

Luxon said one reason Air New Zealand has separated itself is because of its philosophy. While some airlines just go and buy planes and then try to fill them up, Air New Zealand listens to the customer then tailors the aircraft around them. A good example of that is Air New Zealand’s Skycouch product, which includes all of the economy seat benefits plus leg rests and the ability to conform into a couch of sorts for the family.

Luxon also said that Air New Zealand is trying to be innovative and cost effective so it doesn’t have to pass on rising fuel costs to the customer.

Air New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand announced a $20 million marketing partnership ($10 million each) to include Singapore and Southeast Asia on May 20.

Sofitel 

Sofitel, Accor’s French luxury brand since 1980, currently has two New Zealand properties in Auckland and Queenstown.

That’s in addition to another upcoming hotel in Auckland, as well as Wellington.

Sofitel Wellington is due to open in late 2014 or early 2015, which should be a substantial asset for a city that doesn’t have a wide range of five-star properties. Once Sofitel Wellington opens, Sofitel will become the first five-star international luxury hotel brand with locations in Wellington, Auckland and Queenstown. Sofitel Wellington will boast 130 rooms and an interior design courtesy of Brett Taylor of CDA Architects, who also helped design Sofitel Queenstown.

Of course, there’s also Sofitel So Auckland, which will become the fourth Sofitel So boutique hotel in the world in early 2015. The 133-room hotel, being kept under tight wraps thus far by Sofitel and Accor, will feature an artistic design based on “the life and death of a volcano,” said Geno Verikakis, marketing manager for Sofitel New Zealand. Natural elements such as black sand and liquid gas/vapor will be highlighted. The designer has yet to be revealed.

Sofitel So Auckland will also have indoor/outdoor elements, cutting edge technology, and pre and post-trip experience highlighted by smartphone technology.

Verikakis compared Sofitel to the W Hotels brand in the United States.

Napier City Council 

After meeting with Art Deco Trust on Day 1 of TRENZ, I was excited to meet the Napier City Council on Day 2.

Napier, located in the Hawke’s Bay region on the eastern coastline of the North Island, has a lot going for it…and plenty in store.

In addition to the city, you know, constructing 180 buildings in two years after the big 1931 earthquake, it boasts a variety of attractions and experiences, including the Marine Parade strip, the National Aquarium of New Zealand and the newly-opened MTG Hawke’s Bay (formerly Hawke’s Bay Museum & Art Gallery).

Marine Parade features a variety of walkways, boutique retailers, coffee shops, restaurants, cycle trails, gardens, picnic areas and breathtaking views of Cape Kidnappers.

The National Aquarium boasts the national kiwi bird, the Tuatara (the oldest living reptile in the world), piranha and pacu fish, alligators, sharks and stingrays, penguins and more. You can even snorkel with the sharks and feed the penguins if you wish.

And MTG (Museum-Theatre-Gallery) Hawke’s Bay has one of the biggest Maori collections in the world, as well as a variety of tours ranging from the 1931 earthquake to an art gallery experience to a lesson on the Maori culture in Hawke’s Bay. The Maori collection is rotated roughly every six months.

On top of all of this, Napier is also planning a revitalization of Marine Parade, featuring an international skate park, a grandstand/event space and an area boasting reef gardens and water features. 

Positively Wellington Tourism 

As New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington has a variety of things to offer.

Wellington is not only the production capital of the recent “Hobbit” trilogy, it’s also well known for its art, restaurants, coffee, craft beer and waterfront experience.

An event that stands out: “Wellington on a Plate” in August.

Established in 2009 by Positively Wellington Tourism and Grow Wellington, the inaugural Wellington on a Plate featured 130 restaurants last year, as well as 119 separate events. DINE Wellington is the centerpiece, featuring more than 100 eateries from the region, and Beervana weekend isn't far behind. Wellington on a Plate has become the premier showcase for the region’s food and beverage sector and it continues to grow.

Wellington also boasts a ballet school, a school of dance and an orchestra. It’s been compared to Melbourne, Australia, except it replaces Australian culture with Kiwi culture.

On top of that, there’s obviously a wealth of outdoor activities to choose from, including the popular “Wine Trail,” where you may just spot the rare white kiwi bird.

In 2017, Wellington will welcome a new convention center, with a Hilton hotel on top. 

Museum Art Hotel 

Museum Art Hotel is a well-known luxury boutique in Wellington that has been dubbed as one of the top art hotels in the world by several publications.

It features 65 traditional hotel rooms in addition to its 100 apartments and suites, and it’s been the home base for the cast and crew of the “Hobbit” trilogy (it helps when you have a 500-meter-long red carpet).

Beyond its sculptures, motorbikes and stuffed birds, the glamorous hotel has the award-winning Hippopotamus restaurant, led by acclaimed Chef Laurent Loudeac. It also features a welcoming vibe, as if you’re “walking into someone’s house,” said Chrissy Cummings, Museum Are Hotel director of sales.

In fact, it is owner Chris Parkin’s house. He lives there.

Museum Art Hotel is yet another shining example of what Wellington has to offer.