Christchurch tourist attraction up for sale as leading operator sheds businesses
One of New Zealand’s leading tourism operators is selling off a number of businesses across the South Island, including Christchurch’s International Antarctic Centre.
RealNZ has announced plans for “future growth”, acting chief executive Paul Norris said on Wednesday, including changes to its portfolio of business to “better align to the organisation’s purpose” and its focus on inspiring an interest in conservation.
As well as selling the International Antarctic Centre, RealNZ is also offloading its Queenstown Jet Boats tourism business, Queenstown Ferry (water taxis), and the Stewart Island Lodge.
The company also owns the historic Walter Peak homestead on the shore of Lake Whakatipu, and is exploring new ways to “expand” guests’ experiences there. It hopes to sell its vessel Spirit of Queenstown to fellow tourism operator Southern Discoveries, with the boat continuing to provide trips to Walter Peak.
Read the full story from reporter Carly Gooch here (subscription required - first two stories a month free).
Do you recognise these men?
Christchurch Police are seeking the public’s assistance to identify the two males pictured.
Police would like to speak to these two males in relation to an incident that occurred on Wainoni Road on 31 October.
If you recognise these people or have any information, please contact Police on 105, either over the phone or online, referencing file number 251031/1056.
Have you seen Rowena?
Police are urgently appealing for sightings of Rowena, 39, reported missing from Christchurch.
She was reported missing to Police on 22 October 2025, and was last seen on 14 August 2025. Rowena hasn’t been in contact with her children and her family are worried for her safety.
Police investigating her disappearance have identified her as being in Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch in the recent months prior to her missing person report being made.
If you have seen Rowena, or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact us immediately.
You can contact us via 105 either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” and referencing file number 251022/9026.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.6% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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17.7% Hmm, maybe?
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9.7% Yes!
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