Following the excitement of our 30-year anniversary, Qualmark would like to acknowledge some of our longest-standing members.
We asked a variety of operators who have been with us for over 20 years to share a snapshot of their story, membership with Qualmark, and plans for the future. Follow along the journey of celebrating these members and read below to find out more:
Abel Tasman Ocean View Chalets
When Robert and Konstanca first started the Abel Tasman Ocean View Chalets (in 1993), tourism in the Abel Tasman was still in its beginning stages. With a vision of environmentally sustainable accommodation, wonderful hospitality and creating an atmosphere that would entice guests to return time after time they open their doors and began welcoming guests from all around the world.
"Partnering with Qualmark in 1995 allowed us to grow and ensure we were keeping up with the emerging industry standards" shares Robert. The chalets are now managed by daughter Chris and her partner Jared, who have continued on with the vision and legacy Robert and Konstanca started. "With a focus on sustainability, the environment and customer satisfaction we are delighted to have consistently achieved a 4-Star Qualmark Gold rating."
As they strive to improve and protect the environment around us, they have been certified climate positive since 2019 (measuring and offsetting 120% of our carbon footprint).
"We would like to congratulate the entire Qualmark team on their 30 year milestone. It has been a pleasure to work with Qualmark over the last 28years and we look forward to working with them for many more years to come."
Nestled in Ngongotahā Rotorua New Zealand, Agrodome Farm, a Ngāi Tahu Tourism experience offers an immersive Kiwi agricultural experience. Its Qualmark qualification signifies a dedication to quality and sustainable practices.
Agrodome provides a taste of rural New Zealand, featuring live sheep shearing demonstrations, duck herding, and hands-on animal feeding experiences from a customer tractor trailer. Showcasing Aotearoa’s rich farming heritage and educating visitors about the significance of agriculture in New Zealand's culture and economy.
National Kiwi Hatchery, the largest and most successful Kiwi bird conservation hatchery will be moving to Agrodome in December 2023. The hatchery plays a pivotal role in hatching, nurturing, and releasing our endangered national symbols back into the wild. It offers an educational and inspiring experience for all, shedding light on the critical conservation efforts aimed at protecting these flightless birds.
Whether you're a nature enthusiast, cultural explorer, or a family seeking a fun and educational outing, Agrodome Farm is the perfect destination to discover New Zealand's rural traditions and contribute to the conservation of its unique wildlife.
Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park
Located on the award-winning Coastal Walkway in New Plymouth, the holiday park offers a diverse range of accommodation options from modern, cozy motels to tranquil and scenic sites with fabulous ocean views.
Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park has large communal facilities including a covered BBQ area and guest kitchens and lounge facilities making it a great option for large groups. Their friendly and dedicated team is eager to extend a warm welcome, ensuring your stay is filled with relaxation and rejuvenation.
AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand opened the first commercial bungy operation on the Kawarau Bridge back in 1988, setting the bar high when it came to pushing boundaries and overcoming challenges.
That first leap was a bold one, but it was one that broke new ground. Not only for the company, but for New Zealand’s adventure tourism industry. AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand now has 13 epic experiences around the country offering bungy jumps, swings, zipride, catapult, climb, SkyJump, and SkyWalk.
“From the outside, we may look like an adrenaline company, but what we’re really in the business of is inspiring people to live boldly and fearlessly – in whatever form that takes for them” shares Mike Voyce, Sales & Marketing Manager.
As a proud Qualmark member since 1995, Blue Pacific Quality Apartments is a 4-star beach front property in the Bay of Islands where every apartment boasts magnificent ocean views. Choice of studio, 1, 2 & 3 bedrooms – something to suit all travellers.
The apartments are superbly appointed including full kitchens, washing machines and a patio/balcony with BBQs. Select apartments have outdoors spas or spa baths.
The property is positioned directly opposite the tranquil and safe Ti Beach. Paihia’s main hub, shops and restaurants are just 10 minutes’ walk along the waterfront. You can enjoy the many great activities the region has to offer, or you can just relax and soak up the stunning view from your deck.
The Christchurch Gondola offers visitors truly spectacular scenery for a unique perspective of Canterbury. Experience breath-taking 360-degree views of Christchurch, Lyttelton and beyond across the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps. In addition to the panoramic views, the Christchurch Gondola’s summit station also offers a range of walking tracks, the Christchurch Discovery Ride detailing the area’s history, a licensed café, and a gift store as well as a private function venue.
Locally-owned and operated by several Kiwi families since 2005, the complex has been entertaining visitors from across New Zealand and the world since 1992. The Christchurch Gondola is proud to have been awarded a Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Award since 2018 after being a member of the programme since 2002.
The Christchurch Gondola experience is a fantastic way to see the city from a different viewpoint, and the team looks forward to welcoming you on your next visit to Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Chateau Marlborough’s service, atmosphere, surroundings and commitment to the environment make it a firm favourite with families, visitors and locals. It is a wonderful and flexible venue for celebrations, parties and events, meetings or a private stay.
“We strive to protect the beautiful environment in which we live. Our sustainable tourism team is actively working towards new initiatives and reducing our Carbon Footprint, through committed and responsible methods” shares Lynley Mckinnon, General Manager.
Chateau Marlborough is the perfect base for exploring this amazing region and epitomises the excellence for which the region is renowned, offering 80 rooms and suites, restaurant and bar, swimming pool and on-site spa facilities.
"Whether for a drink, for a dinner, for a night, or for an extended stay, the Chateau Marlborough Hotel awaits you with a warm welcome from all members of our amazing close-knit team, who proudly work together in this privately owned and operated hotel that is widely recognized as the leading luxury hotel at the top of the South Island."
Explore Group Auckland is proud to have partnered with Qualmark for over 20 years. Over this time Explore has evolved and expanded, from Explore NZ offering sailing experiences on the Waitemata Harbour, to the current range of unique experiences showcasing Tāmaki Makaurau and the wider Tikapa Moana - Hauraki Gulf.
This includes the well-established America’s Cup and harbour sailing experiences, the Tikapa Moana - Whale & Dolphin Wildlife cruise operating in partnership with Ngai Tai Tamaki, as well as destinations including Tiritiri Matangi Island and most recently Rotoroa Island.
“We look forward to continuing to expand the quality and variety of tourism offerings for the Auckland region and working alongside Qualmark as we go forward” shares Aimee Jones, Marketing Manager.
“Martins Bay Holiday Park has always been a gateway to exceptional views and water access to the Hauraki Gulf” says Thomas Patterson, Holiday Parks Property & Commercial Manager at Auckland Council. “In the nearly 30 years we’ve partnered with Qualmark, we’ve focused on customer experience and sustainability within our park and are proud to be Qualmark 4 stars rated, and recipients of a Silver Qualmark Sustainable Tourism rating”.
“Our association with Qualmark means that potential customers searching for a place to visit, holiday and experience, trust us to provide a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable place to experience the best of Auckland’s outdoors, and we pride ourselves on exceeding those expectations year-after-year.”
Qualmark General Manager, Steven Dixon shares “Martins Bay Holiday Park is Qualmark’s longest standing member at 29 years. We’re absolutely delighted to have been part of their journey for almost 30 years and can’t wait to support them and our other members for the next 30 and beyond.”
International Antarctic Centre
The International Antarctic Centre is the world’s premier Antarctic visitor experience.
“We are proud to be one of Qualmark’s Gold Attractions, sharing a passion to deliver outstanding experiences to our manuhiri,” shares David Kennedy, General Manager. “We believe that by sharing the spirit of adventure that defines Antarctica, we can inspire a deep love for this pristine environment and encourage visitors to become passionate advocates for its preservation.”
Situated in one of only five gateway cities to Antarctica, this award-winning attraction is where you can see Little Blue Penguins swim and feed, ride an Antarctic Hägglund, immerse yourself in another world with a 4D Theatre experience, brave -18°C windchills in an Antarctic Storm and more.
Nestled on the white sands of Ōrewa Beach in iconic Pohutukawa and Norfolk Pine trees, Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park is proud to have been a member of Qualmark since 1995. In that time, Ōrewa has changed from a destination beach town to a bustling urban area, yet still retaining the amazing Hibiscus Coasts special blend of tranquillity and adventure.
Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park offers a uniquely Kiwi camping experience to suit all needs with the convenience of local cafés, restaurants, shopping and more nearby, and a range of accommodation options on offer, camp sites, standard to self-contained deluxe cabins, and glamping tents.
Over the years, Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park has welcomed countless guests, creating memories that have lasted a lifetime. With its breathtaking ocean views, pristine sandy beaches, and lush tree canopy backdrop, the Park has provided a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life - only 40 minutes from central Auckland!
Looking ahead, the future is just as promising as its past. As the world has evolved, so has this coastal haven, ensuring the protection of accessibility to stay, enjoy and recreate in. It’s commitment to preserving this experience, achieving Qualmark's Silver and 4 star rating, has drawn customers from near and far.
The Parnell Hotel & Conference Centre
The Parnell Hotel & Conference Centre is a 101-room hotel situated in beautiful Parnell, Auckland. It features a comprehensive array of amenities, including an on-site Restaurant and Conference centre, along with other benefits such as complimentary parking and no transaction fees.
The hotel's connection with Qualmark dates back to its inception, with the hotels founder, Norman Barry, serving as a founding director and shareholder for Qualmark between 1993 and 1997. Norman Barry was a fervent advocate for empowering the hospitality industry and mentoring emerging professionals within the field.
Over the past five years, the hotel has executed an ongoing reinvestment program, which encompassed enhancements to guest facilities like bathroom renovations, the installation of air conditioning, and inclusion of smart TVs. The primary focus is consistently delivering exceptional value to its guests, where management actively solicits and incorporates guest feedback to continuously refine and expand the services offered.
Distinguished by its unique status as a registered charity, The Parnell Hotel & Conference Centre has made significant contributions to the community over the last decade. Organisations such as KiwiNet, The Liggins Institute, and the AL Rae Centre have all received substantial support, while numerous other charitable entities benefit from regular, annual donations.
Just one hour north of the Auckland motorway, the Kauri Museum is at Matakohe, midway between Bay of Islands and Auckland. Deep in the heart of an ancient forest that’s gone, the Kauri Museum celebrates one of the world’s greatest trees, and honours it's relationship with Aotearoa New Zealand. Stories are shared of courage and determination, tragedy and triumph, boundless hope and unfathomable loss; kauri making a nation.
Since 1962 the Kauri Museum has been gathering and sharing an internationally significant collection. As the largest under-cover visitor attraction north of Auckland, the Kauri Museum has 4,500sq m of exhibition halls, galleries and rooms of treasures. The newest attraction is the Forest Walkway about the beginning of time where the kauri stars in the Māori creation legend Te Waonui o Tane. You’ll be walking through a Once-and-Future Forest, an enchanted space, which has echoes of the forest that’s gone and is yet to come.
“Kauri Museum is proud of its long association with Qualmark, and acknowledges how Qualmark has helped this award-winning attraction gain greater tourism industry success across the last 25 years” shares Director, Jason Smith.