New Campaign Promotes KāPiti to Aussie Tourists

(Source: Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency)

Kāpiti’s epic coastline, natural beauty, wildlife and culinary delights are being showcased to thousands of Australians this month in a new ad campaign.

Launching this week on Facebook, the promotional video was created by the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency (WREDA) in collaboration with Kāpiti Coast District Council. It showcases Kāpiti Island as an easy day trip from Wellington, aiming to attract some of the 250,000* Australian tourists who visit Wellington city each year.

Featuring a young family exploring Kāpiti for the first time, it follows them taking the scenic train ride from the city along the coast, ferrying to Kāpiti Island and then finishing their day with a sunset meal at Waikanae Beach’s Waimea Café.

General Manager of Destination and Marketing at WREDA, David Perks, says Kāpiti Island captivates all who visit and Australian visitors will be no exception.

“Kāpiti Island is one of the true jewels of the Wellington region and showing that this incredible eco-sanctuary is a stone’s throw from the city will really appeal to Australian visitors, especially those from Sydney and Melbourne for whom an hours’ travelling time is just their morning commute.

“When planning a short-break Aussies want to be reassured that Wellington is a place that’s easy to get around and they won’t need a car. In this campaign we’ve highlighted you can travel easily to get to Kāpiti by train and then it’s just a short scenic ferry ride to Kāpiti Island.

Economic Development Manager at Kāpiti Coast District Council, Sarah Todd, says it’s high time more international as well as domestic travellers found out what Kāpiti Coast has to offer.

“Kāpiti offers an experience that’s really refreshingly different - within easy reach of Wellington.

“We have a relaxed easy pace, seaside towns and villages, and a modern hospitality scene that meets the standards international visitors are accustomed to.

“That all adds up to a great day out or overnighter for travellers looking to step out of the big city as part of their experience.

“Our island is a once-in-a-lifetime visit for so many people. For the Australian market it’s an accessible and comfortable way to sample New Zealand’s unique native flora and fauna and get amongst the breath-taking nature experience the sanctuary and marine reserve offer,” she says.

The campaign will run for two weeks on Facebook from 4 June targeting families, independent professionals and baby boomers on Australia’s eastern seaboard.

It follows the launch last month of a new website - KāpitiCoastNZ.com – that WREDA helped Kāpiti Coast District Council develop.