Creative Junction Magazine June 16th 2017 | Page 9

CREATIVE JUNCTION
of a big picture vision, taking
a number of years to set up.
“It
would
also
be
a
complimentary
destination to what’s on
offer at the Bay of Islands.”
Excursions
from
the Bay usually include
visits
to
Puketi
Forest,
Kawakawa and Kawiti Caves.
While in Northland in April, the
Cruise NZ boss checked out the
established cruise destination,
visiting the Waitangi Treaty
Grounds and Museum. A new
wharf at Waitangi, developed
by Far North Holdings to
PAGE 7
ONE TO WATCH: Northland Inc’s GM of
Regional Promotions and Tourism Paul
Davis says Whangarei and Mangawhai
are ripe for cruise destination
development. PHOTO/Christine Allen ONBOARD: We could see ships such
as the Golden Princess (pictured) –
due to arrive at the Bay of Islands
on July 30 - arrive to Northport
if Whangarei becomes a cruise
support the incoming cruise
liners, was also a highlight.
In Whangarei, Mr O’Sullivan
met with the Prosper Northland
Trust, the group behind the
Hundertwasser Arts Centre.

“For a long time,
there has been a negative
impression of Whangarei.
The Hundertwasser project
is symptomatic of a cultural
change…the perception of the
area has changed,” he says.

The Cruise NZ boss also
visited Mangawhai, taking in
the area’s wine and chocolate,
and history at the local museum.
“It’s really up to the
local people now to provide
products and services that can
be offered to cruise lines for
passenger excursion,” he says.
Seatrade
Cruise
Global will bring cruise
business partners together,
from
cruise
lines
to
suppliers and travel agents.

Mr O’Sullivan says it was
rare for new NZ destinations
to open up so he was
looking forward to discussing
Whangarei’s potential abroad.