Category: AA

Source: AA – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: AA Traveller to stop printing free maps and guides

After more than 90 years of producing free travel guides and printed maps for Members, the AA has made the tough decision to stop doing so.

The 2023 season travel guides and current suite of maps will be the last printed by AA Traveller.

With increasing obstacles, including soaring paper and distribution costs, combined with declining demand for paper-based maps and guides, the hard call had to be made.

AA Traveller’s wide range of travel Member Benefits – including discounts on Hertz and GO Rentals, accommodation, campervan hire, tours, Great Journeys NZ Trains and Interislander – will still be available to Members.

Free AA maps and various travel guides including regional guides, Must-Do Road Trips, Walking and Cycling guides and Travelling New Zealand with Pets will be available in AA Centres throughout New Zealand until stock runs out. Digital versions of the guides can be viewed here

https://www.aa.co.nz/travel/travel-guides/ebooks/

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Source: AA – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: AA Traveller and Adventure South NZ launch exclusive cycling and walking tour partnership

AA Traveller is thrilled to announce a new partnership with New Zealand’s leading cycling and walking tour operator, Adventure South NZ.

The three-year partnership offers the AA’s 1.8 million Members an exclusive 10% discount on selected guided and self-guided walking and hiking tours, guided cycling tours, hike and bike tours, plus other special interest tours throughout the country.

AA Traveller General Manager, Greig Leighton, said the tours add to the extensive portfolio of travel and tourism products which AA Members can now take advantage of, including accommodation, car rental, campervan and motorhome hire, Scenic Trains, and Interislander ferry services.

“AA Traveller already has a strong presence in the walking and cycling segments in New Zealand, publishing the annual Must Do’s Cycling Guide, and Must Do’s Walking Guide, and this new partnership with Adventure South further cements AA’s strong position in both these two hugely popular tourism segments within New Zealand,” he said.

“The devastating impact of Covid-19 has been felt strongly across the tourism sector over the past 18 months, and with international borders closed, this new partnership between AA Traveller and Adventure South NZ, will offer first class guided touring products right on our own backdoor step,“ Greig said.

General Manager, Adventure South, Philip Wyndham, said he is looking forward to providing exclusive offers to AA Members.

“We expect our national range of cycling and hiking holidays, operated by Adventure South NZ and Great Walks of New Zealand, to have broad appeal to AA Members from across the country,” he said.

“I’m delighted that the announcement comes on the eve of our 30th anniversary, and we look forward to having AA Members join one of our active guided and supported cycling adventures or one of our self-guided walks.”

For more information about the partnership and for the Adventure South NZ guided tours and Great Walks of New Zealand experiences covered go to:
https://www.aa.co.nz/travel/member-deals/adventure-south-nz/ or
https://www.adventuresouth.co.nz/Deals or
https://www.greatwalksofnewzealand.co.nz/deals

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Source: AA – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: AA Traveller and Tourism NZ join forces to take Kiwis on a journey

AA Traveller and Tourism New Zealand are excited to launch a major new partnership aimed at getting Kiwis out and about to explore their own backyard.

The new three-year partnership will see AA Traveller, which has been providing New Zealand travel inspiration for more than 90 years, and world class Tourism New Zealand, join forces to support domestic tourism and local operators.

AA Travel and Tourism General Manager Greig Leighton says it’s an exciting opportunity.

“84% of AA Members’ domestic trips are by car, and self-drive tourism has never been more relevant in New Zealand. While we’re all looking for ways to buy and support local, we know that our Members also want to take the opportunity to get into some of those less well-known attractions in surrounding regions.

“We’re determined to help Kiwis out by providing our expert local advice on great things to see and do throughout New Zealand.”

Greig says AA Traveller works closely with the country’s Regional Tourism Organisations and local operators to pinpoint the coolest experiences people can do in each area.

“Every time we publish lists like our 101-Must Do’s we always get loads of people, including the locals in a lot of instances, saying ‘wow, that was amazing – I had no idea that even existed!’

“We have been involved with local operators for many years now, and we are happy to continue to support them and domestic tourism much like they have supported us in the past.”

GM of Domestic at Tourism New Zealand, Bjoern Spreitzer says, “We want New Zealanders to get out and do something new in Aotearoa – be it visiting a new corner of the country, a new experience or even a new place to stay the night. We are excited to partner with AA Traveller to inspire Kiwis to explore the amazing things we have in our own backyard.”

The first campaign swings fully into action from September, and while AA Traveller won’t give away all the details, it will showcase the many things to see and do around the country that make New Zealand really special.

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Source: AA – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: AA Traveller and DOC release walking guide to suit all fitness levels

AA Traveller and the Department of Conservation have released a first-of-its-kind joint walking guide packed full of information on Short Walks, Day Hikes and Great Walks from the top to bottom of New Zealand. 

While some Kiwi favourites are covered, Walking in New Zealand – from 30 minutes to multi-day also highlights beautiful less-frequented walks, as well as Landmarks Whenua Tohunga walks which showcase Aoteroa’s rich cultural heritage.

Safety is a key component of the guide, with details such as terrain, fitness level required and best times to walk covered. The guide features maps, track overviews, local tips and highlights, and information on places to stay.

AA Traveller Managing Editor Kath Webster says the guide has something for everyone from gentle strolls the whole family can do through to more challenging treks across valleys and through beech forests, following streams and climbing ridges.

“We’re expecting Walking in New Zealand to be hugely popular with both Kiwis and overseas visitors,” Ms Webster says.

“Through our partnership with DOC we’ve been able to produce a top quality guide with all the information people need before they put their walking shoes on and venture into our stunning natural environment.”

Department of Conservation Customer Engagement Director Heather Peacocke says DOC manages more than 14,500kms of track throughout our country to ensure all New Zealanders and visitors can enjoy walking in nature no matter what their ability.

“We know that spending time in nature makes us happier and helps improve our health and wellbeing,” she says.

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