In the biggest event of its kind, the Central North Island will host more than 540 TRENZ delegates, including hundreds of the world’s most influential travel and tourism buyers, to an afternoon of activities ranging from tandem sky diving to wine and food matching.

TRENZ is the $24 billion tourism industry’s premium international trade show. The 2015 event (17-20 May, Rotorua), is being hosted by eXplore Central North Island (ECNI) and will be attended by 320 international tourism and travel buyers plus media and representatives from 290 of the country’s leading tourism operators.

“On Tuesday afternoon, 19 May, delegates will take a break from their business meetings to experience first-hand some of the fantastic visitor activities on offer in the Central North Island,” says Chris Roberts, Chief Executive of the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) which manages TRENZ.

“They will discover that this part of the country has something for visitors across the spectrum, from families and the youth market, to group tours, to those seeking luxury, and thrill seekers of all ages.

“This time away from TRENZ meetings is also an opportunity for delegates to network informally and potentially identify new business opportunities.”

ECNI Chairman Rhys Arrowsmith says the activity afternoon features around 40 different options and will open the international delegates’ eyes to the Central North Island’s diverse natural and man-made attractions.

“Activities include bungy jumping from 47 metres high above the Waikato River, a Maori culinary feast featuring traditional methods and ingredients sourced from surrounding tribal lands, a helicopter flight to White Island, high tea at a five-star Taupo hotel with an interactive fly fishing demonstration, mountain biking through Rotorua forests and a magical Waitomo glow-worm cave experience.