We’ve taken a bold and cheeky approach with our latest domestic marketing campaign, designed to lure Auckland couples and empty nesters to the diverse wonders of the mighty Waikato.
The ‘Get Lost in the Mighty Waikato’ campaign— is a playful and humorous invitation for visitors to escape the city and rediscover themselves among the region’s hidden gems.
Nicola Greenwell
The campaign kicks off with a young couple searching for their “missing” parents. The twist? The parents aren’t lost at all—they’ve joyfully disappeared into the scenic beauty and unforgettable experiences of the Waikato.
From dramatic west coast sunsets to tranquil retreats where time slows down, we’re showcasing the magic of our region and reminding kiwis of the incredible experiences waiting right here in our own backyard.
Why is this important? Because tourism is a vital contributor to our economy, attracting visitors who spend in our cafes, shops, attractions, and accommodations. Every ‘lost’ Aucklander in region means economic growth, resilience, and opportunity for our local businesses. In turn, resulting in employment opportunities for our communities.
By capturing the attention of Aucklanders and encouraging them to ‘get lost’ here, we’re creating more reasons for people to stay longer, explore further, and support local operators and businesses.
How does this benefit you? We’ve strategically shifted from a scattergun approach to a focused, high-impact campaign. We’ve squeezed every ounce of value from our reduced funding. We’re not just hoping Aucklanders will come. We’re actively inviting them to get lost, and we’re providing the Waikato business community, an opportunity to capitalise on their arrival.
Here’s where you come in:
Amplify the message: Feel free to utilise the campaign cheekiness and integrate ‘Get Lost in the Mighty Waikato’ into your own marketing. Share it on your social media, feature it on your website, and weave it into your customer interactions.
Create ‘Lost’ experiences: Think outside the box. How can your business offer unique, memorable experiences that align with the campaign’s spirit? Can you create special packages, tours, or events that encourage exploration?
Leverage the hashtag: Encourage your customers to use #GetLostInWaikato when sharing their experiences. This creates a powerful, user-generated marketing engine that amplifies our message.
Collaborate: The more we work together, the bigger the impact. Partner with other local businesses to create bundled experiences and cross-promote each other.
This campaign isn’t just about attracting visitors. It’s about building a thriving, resilient tourism sector that benefits every business in the Waikato. We’ve taken a bold step, and now it’s your turn to join us. Don’t just watch Aucklanders get lost in the Waikato. Profit from it.
Let’s work together to put Waikato on the map!
Sighting of ‘lost’ parents at Hamilton Gardens
Sighting of ‘lost’ parents in Hobbiton
Sighting of ‘lost’ parents in Raglan
Sighting of ‘lost’ parents at Hamilton Gardens
