Welcome to the

Industry Section

This part of waikatonz.com is designed to keep our local tourism industry up-to-date with the latest news, industry events and sector activities happening in the Waikato region.

Beyond Horizons: Hamilton & Waikato Tourism’s Industry Symposium | 30 September

Join us for Beyond Horizons: Hamilton & Waikato Tourism’s Industry Symposium at Mystery Creek Events Centre on 30 September 2025.
HWT Symposium

Regenerative and Sustainable Tourism

Regenerative tourism is focused on the prosperity of people and place and aims to enrich a community

Partner with us

Find out how you can get involved and leverage off existing activities

Business Support & Tools

This where you will find HWT's treasure trove of business support, tools, and resources, designed to help you start or grow a thriving tourism business

Latest News, Events, & Workshops

We strive to assist tourism businesses with staying up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best business practices through events, workshops and news releases.

Tiaki in Kirikiriroa

For Kirikiriroa Hamilton tourism and hospitality businesses, caring for people, place and culture is at the forefront of everything they do with many already making standout contributions to the environment and community and sharing stories of our special place.

Log in to the Member Portal

Log in to the Hot Deals Platform

Sign in or sign up to list your deals and special offers on our Hot Deals platform.

Event Organisers Toolkit

Discover practical guidance and essential resources to help you plan and deliver successful events.

Waikato is a region of diversity; an agricultural powerhouse of awe-inspiring natural wonders including the mighty Waikato River, Waitomo caves, surf beaches, and is home to Tainui, Ngāti Maniapoto and Raukawa.

Destination Management Plan

Latest Industry News

Fifteen years for RAW, one of the Waikato’s best visual arts events

30 September 2025
You won’t want to be anywhere other than Raglan this Labour Weekend, with one of the Waikato’s best visual arts events celebrating its 15th anniversary. The Raglan Arts Weekend, or ‘RAW’ as it’s affectionately called by locals, is all set to entertain, inspire and blow visitors away with an action-packed programme over a 5-day festival.

Jetstar Adds New Morning Christchurch–Hamilton Service

10 September 2025
Hamilton & Waikato Tourism has welcomed the announcement of Jetstar’s new morning jet service between Hamilton and Christchurch, further strengthening air links to the mighty Waikato.

Jim Beam Homegrown 2026 - Blows It Out Of The Park

2 September 2025
Brace yourself New Zealand, Jim Beam Homegrown is returning to its roots in the Mighty Waikato and is now BIGGER than ever!

New Boutique Cambridge Hotel The Clements Opens its doors

5 August 2025
Following a multi-million-dollar transformation of the town’s original 1866 beaux-arts Masonic hotel (named after Archibald Clements), the 29-room property brings refined luxury and soulful charm to the Waikato region’s growing tourism landscape. 

Tourism events fund creates $220 million impact for Thermal Explorer region

23 June 2025
A tourism events fund set up after the Covid-19 pandemic has generated $220 million in direct economic impact for communities in the ‘Thermal Explorer’ regions of Waikato, Rotorua, Taupo and Ruapehu.
View All Industry News