Seasonal Promotion Videos for Hospitality in NZ

Why Seasonal Promotion Videos Matter in NZ Hospitality

Hospitality in New Zealand is highly seasonal, with clear peaks during summer holidays, ski season, long weekends, and major events. For cafés, restaurants, bars, and hotels, capturing the right audience at the right time is crucial. Seasonal promotion videos offer a powerful way to connect with Kiwi customers, showcasing venues when demand is highest and creating awareness during quieter periods.

According to Stats NZ, domestic and international visitors contributed over $40 billion to the tourism and hospitality economy in 2024, with strong seasonal fluctuations. Businesses that align marketing efforts with seasonal trends are more likely to see higher bookings, stronger engagement, and increased loyalty.

Seasonal videos allow hospitality operators to highlight limited-time menus, special events, or unique experiences tied to the season. Whether it’s summer beachfront dining in Mount Maunganui, cosy winter lodges in Queenstown, or spring blossom café experiences in Christchurch, video communicates the sensory and emotional appeal far more effectively than photos or text alone.

• Showcase seasonal menus, décor, and venue highlights.
• Create urgency with limited-time offers or events.
• Reach both domestic travellers and local audiences planning activities.
• Build emotional connection with authentic storytelling.

As Daniel Chyi, a New Zealand digital marketing strategist, notes: “Video is the closest thing to a ‘try-before-you-buy’ experience in hospitality. Seasonal storytelling connects emotionally and drives direct bookings in ways static content cannot.”

With Vidude, Kiwi hospitality businesses can produce, host, and share these seasonal promotion videos on a local-first platform designed for Aotearoa audiences, ensuring your seasonal content reaches the right people at the right time.

Understanding Seasonal Trends in New Zealand Hospitality

New Zealand’s hospitality sector experiences distinct seasonal patterns across the country. Understanding these trends is essential for creating timely and effective promotional videos. Different regions experience peak demand at different times, influenced by school holidays, weather, domestic tourism, and international arrivals.

According to Stats NZ and Tourism NZ, domestic tourism drives the majority of hospitality revenue, particularly during long weekends and school holidays, while international visitors amplify demand during summer and winter peaks. Seasonal videos allow businesses to align content with these patterns, showcasing experiences that resonate with guests at the right moment.

Seasonal promotion videos tailored to these periods can significantly boost visibility. For instance, showcasing a summer vineyard picnic in Marlborough can attract weekenders from Auckland, while highlighting a winter lodge experience in Queenstown encourages early ski bookings.

• Plan video content around seasonal peaks in your region.
• Highlight what makes your venue unique for each season.
• Integrate local events, festivals, and NZ traditions to increase relevance.
• Use Vidude’s scheduling tools to publish videos in advance of each seasonal peak.

By aligning video marketing with these seasonal trends, Kiwi hospitality operators can ensure their promotional content reaches the right audience, at the right time, and drives measurable bookings.

Summer Videos: Capturing Kiwi Holiday Vibes

Summer in New Zealand is peak hospitality season, attracting both domestic travellers and international visitors. From December to February, beach towns, vineyard regions, and city rooftop bars experience high foot traffic. Seasonal promotion videos help venues showcase the vibrancy and appeal of summer experiences, creating anticipation and encouraging bookings.

For example, cafés in Mount Maunganui can highlight outdoor seating, beach views, and live music, while Auckland rooftop bars can showcase sunset cocktails and seasonal menu items. Vineyards in Marlborough can feature picnic experiences or wine tasting events, appealing to weekend travellers from Wellington and Christchurch.

According to Stats NZ, domestic travel peaks during January, with over 3 million Kiwis taking short trips, making summer an ideal time for targeted video marketing. Seasonal videos allow businesses to capture the unique sights, sounds, and atmosphere of summer, giving viewers an immersive experience.

• Highlight outdoor dining, alfresco experiences, and summer-themed menus.
• Use drone footage or panoramic shots to showcase scenic Kiwi locations.
• Include live events, music, or social gatherings to convey energy.
• Incorporate local summer traditions, such as beach barbecues or craft beer festivals.
• Schedule videos on Vidude ahead of peak summer weekends for maximum engagement.

Tip: Short-form videos (30–60 seconds) perform exceptionally well on social media platforms, while longer, immersive clips can be hosted on Vidude to provide a deeper experience for potential visitors. By showcasing the atmosphere, cuisine, and events, summer promotion videos become a key tool in converting viewers into guests.

As Emma Harris, marketing manager of a Wellington waterfront café, says: “Our summer video campaigns on Vidude captured the essence of our outdoor dining experience and drove a noticeable increase in weekend bookings. Visitors could almost feel the ocean breeze through the screen!”

Winter Videos: Showcasing Warmth and Cosiness

Winter in New Zealand, from June to August, offers a completely different hospitality experience. Ski resorts, mountain lodges, hot pools, and cosy cafés become top destinations for domestic travellers seeking warmth, adventure, and relaxation. Seasonal promotion videos allow venues to capture the essence of winter comfort, enticing guests to visit even during colder months.

For example, Queenstown lodges can highlight roaring fireplaces, après-ski experiences, and intimate dining. Rotorua’s hot pools and geothermal spas can showcase steamy, relaxing experiences perfect for winter retreats. Wellington cafés can emphasize indoor ambience, seasonal menus featuring hearty soups, mulled wine, or artisan hot chocolates.

According to Stats NZ, winter sees a 20% increase in domestic bookings at ski resorts and lodges compared to spring, highlighting the importance of targeted seasonal marketing. Video allows businesses to convey atmosphere and sensory appeal, which photos alone cannot fully capture.

• Focus on warmth, comfort, and cosy indoor experiences.
• Highlight seasonal menus and special winter offerings.
• Include guest experiences, such as enjoying fireplaces, hot drinks, or spa retreats.
• Use ambient lighting, steam, and snow to enhance video appeal.
• Publish videos early using Vidude to capture advance winter bookings.

Tip: Storytelling works well in winter videos. Following a guest through a day of skiing, relaxing in a hot pool, and enjoying a hearty meal creates an emotional connection. Vidude’s platform allows NZ hospitality businesses to host and schedule these immersive videos, reaching the right audience at the right time.

“Our winter lodge campaign on Vidude, featuring fireside evenings and ski adventures, led to a 35% increase in bookings compared to the previous year,” says Hannah Scott, manager of a boutique lodge in Wanaka. “Video allows our guests to visualise the experience before they even arrive.”

Autumn and Spring Promotions: Transition Seasons with Unique Stories

Autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November) are important transition periods in New Zealand’s hospitality calendar. While not as busy as summer or winter, these seasons provide unique opportunities to attract guests seeking seasonal experiences, food, and events. Seasonal promotion videos during these months help businesses stand out during quieter periods and maintain consistent bookings throughout the year.

Autumn is ideal for highlighting harvest festivals, wine events, and changing landscapes. Hawke’s Bay wineries, for example, can showcase grape harvests, cellar tours, and autumn-themed menus. Spring offers opportunities to highlight new seasonal dishes, blossom-themed outdoor experiences, and wedding-ready venues in regions such as Christchurch and Hawke’s Bay.

According to Tourism New Zealand, domestic travellers often plan weekend getaways during these shoulder seasons, looking for food, wine, and nature experiences. Videos that capture the beauty and uniqueness of autumn and spring can attract these visitors effectively.

• Feature seasonal foods, like pumpkin dishes in autumn or fresh berries in spring.
• Highlight local events and festivals to showcase community engagement.
• Capture scenic landscapes, seasonal colours, and unique venue décor.
• Use short narrative stories, e.g., a guest visiting for a harvest wine tasting or a spring picnic.
• Schedule video releases on Vidude to coincide with regional events and school holidays.

By producing seasonal videos for autumn and spring, hospitality operators can maintain brand visibility year-round. Vidude allows New Zealand businesses to host these videos locally, ensuring content reaches the intended Kiwi audience without being lost in global feeds.

Tip: Short, authentic clips highlighting seasonal changes, menus, and experiences perform best on social media, while longer immersive videos hosted on Vidude can deepen customer engagement and inspire bookings.

Storytelling Techniques for Seasonal Hospitality Videos

In New Zealand hospitality, storytelling transforms seasonal videos from simple promotions into engaging narratives that resonate with Kiwi audiences. Rather than only showing menus or décor, effective videos convey experiences, emotions, and the unique personality of your venue. Storytelling helps potential guests envision themselves enjoying your seasonal offerings.

Some effective storytelling techniques include following a dish from farm to table, showcasing behind-the-scenes preparations, or featuring loyal customers enjoying your venue throughout the season. These approaches make content authentic, relatable, and memorable.

• Journey of a Dish: Highlight local produce, seasonal ingredients, and preparation to emphasise freshness and authenticity.
• Behind-the-Scenes: Show chefs preparing winter specials or baristas crafting summer iced coffees.
• Customer Stories: Capture testimonials or candid moments that reflect the atmosphere and seasonal vibe.
• Event Storytelling: Feature festivals, wine tastings, or live music events that are season-specific.
• Time-Lapse Techniques: Show a busy summer evening transitioning to a tranquil sunset to convey seasonal ambiance.

According to James Te Rangi, owner of a boutique Wellington café: “By telling the story of our seasonal menu through short videos, we’ve seen guests engage more deeply and plan visits around featured events. Story-driven video helps our brand feel alive and inviting.”

Vidude enables New Zealand hospitality operators to implement these storytelling techniques efficiently. Its local hosting ensures faster playback for Kiwi audiences, while tools like playlists, tagging, and scheduling allow businesses to craft campaigns that align with seasonal peaks and key events.

Tip: Keep videos concise and focused on one story per clip. Authenticity resonates with Kiwi viewers, so avoid overproduced content—let your venue, staff, and customers tell the story naturally.

Using Local Culture and Kiwi Identity

Incorporating local culture and Kiwi identity into seasonal promotion videos helps hospitality businesses connect with their audience on a deeper level. New Zealanders value authenticity, community, and cultural relevance, so videos that reflect regional traditions, te ao Māori values, and local humour resonate strongly with domestic guests.

For example, a Northland resort could feature Matariki celebrations in winter, highlighting traditional food and storytelling, while a South Island vineyard might showcase spring lamb dishes with scenic landscapes. Urban cafés in Wellington or Auckland could integrate student life or city events to create content that feels immediately local and relatable.

• Feature te ao Māori elements where appropriate, such as local food customs or cultural ceremonies.
• Highlight regional characteristics, like South Island vineyards, Northland beaches, or Otago ski resorts.
• Use Kiwi humour and colloquial language to make videos relatable.
• Involve local staff or regular customers to add authenticity.
• Showcase community engagement, such as participation in festivals, markets, or charity events.

According to Moana Ngata, cultural consultant and hospitality advisor in Rotorua: “Videos that reflect Māori culture or regional identity help visitors feel connected and respected. When done authentically, it enhances trust and encourages repeat visits.”

Tip: Use Vidude’s platform to host videos that highlight local culture. Geo-targeting tools ensure that your content reaches audiences most likely to engage with your seasonal offerings, whether they are local Kiwis or visiting tourists seeking authentic experiences.

By integrating Kiwi identity into seasonal promotion videos, hospitality operators can differentiate their venues, create emotional connections with guests, and enhance engagement with content that feels uniquely local.

Best Practices for Filming Seasonal Hospitality Content

High-quality production enhances the impact of seasonal promotion videos, but even small hospitality businesses in New Zealand can create compelling content with minimal equipment. Following best practices ensures that videos capture attention, convey atmosphere, and reflect the seasonal appeal of your venue.

Key considerations for filming seasonal hospitality videos include lighting, framing, audio, and authenticity. New Zealand’s natural landscapes offer incredible backdrops, from golden beaches to snow-covered mountains, and capturing these elements elevates your seasonal storytelling.

• Golden Hour Shooting: Film during sunrise or sunset to leverage natural light and showcase your venue’s surroundings beautifully.
• Authenticity: Include candid shots of staff preparing seasonal dishes or guests enjoying experiences.
• Audio: Capture ambient sounds, like waves, birdsong, or live music, to immerse viewers.
• Framing & Angles: Use wide shots for landscapes and close-ups for food, drinks, or seasonal details.
• Consistency: Maintain a consistent style, colour palette, and seasonal theme across all videos.
• Budget-Friendly Approaches: High-quality smartphones, stabilisers, and simple lighting can produce professional-looking results without large costs.

According to Oliver Bennett, creative director at an Auckland-based hospitality media agency: “Even small cafés or lodges can produce high-impact seasonal videos by focusing on authentic experiences, natural light, and compelling storytelling. Viewers respond more to genuine content than overproduced clips.”

Vidude’s platform supports a wide range of video formats, resolutions, and hosting options, making it easy for New Zealand hospitality operators to publish videos that look great on desktop and mobile devices. Scheduled uploads and local hosting ensure that seasonal campaigns reach Kiwi audiences efficiently.

Tip: Plan a content checklist before filming each season—consider décor, staff participation, guest interactions, and natural scenery to ensure comprehensive coverage and maximise engagement.

Distribution Strategies: Where to Share Seasonal Videos

Creating seasonal promotion videos is only half the battle; effective distribution ensures they reach the right audience at the right time. For New Zealand hospitality businesses, targeting both local Kiwis and domestic tourists is key to driving bookings during seasonal peaks.

Vidude provides a local-first platform designed specifically for NZ businesses, offering fast hosting and reliable playback for Kiwi audiences. Unlike global platforms, Vidude allows operators to maintain control over their content while connecting with a local community of viewers, creators, and potential guests.

• Website Integration: Embed videos on your venue’s website, seasonal landing pages, or event pages to enhance engagement and conversions.
• Email Campaigns: Include short seasonal clips in newsletters to highlight offers, events, or seasonal menus.
• Social Media Sharing: Post teasers or full-length videos on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, linking back to Vidude for the full experience.
• Regional Targeting: Promote videos to audiences in nearby cities, regions, or domestic travellers planning weekend getaways.
• Collaboration: Partner with local influencers, food bloggers, or tourism networks to amplify seasonal campaigns.

According to Rachel Morgan, marketing manager at a Bay of Islands resort: “Distributing our seasonal videos across Vidude, social channels, and email newsletters created a cohesive campaign that consistently drove bookings. Local hosting made sure our NZ audience saw the content without lag or playback issues.”

Tip: Schedule content strategically using Vidude’s publishing tools to align with school holidays, long weekends, and regional events. Tracking engagement metrics allows you to optimise distribution channels for maximum bookings.

By combining Vidude hosting with a multi-channel distribution strategy, hospitality businesses in New Zealand can maximise the visibility and impact of seasonal promotion videos, ensuring their efforts translate into real-world results.

Measuring ROI from Seasonal Video Campaigns

Tracking the return on investment (ROI) for seasonal promotion videos is essential for New Zealand hospitality businesses to understand what works and optimise future campaigns. Effective measurement helps operators justify marketing spend, improve engagement, and increase bookings throughout the year.

Key metrics include view counts, watch time, click-through rates, bookings generated, and social media engagement. Vidude provides analytics tools designed specifically for Kiwi businesses, allowing operators to track these metrics locally and in real time. Understanding how viewers interact with videos helps shape content strategy for each season.

• View Metrics: Monitor total views, average watch time, and retention rates to assess audience interest.
• Engagement: Track likes, shares, comments, and click-throughs to booking or event pages.
• Booking Attribution: Use tracking links and unique promotional codes to measure conversions from video campaigns.
• Audience Insights: Analyse demographics, locations, and devices to better target future campaigns.
• Seasonal Comparison: Compare performance across different seasons to identify trends and high-performing content.

According to Michael Te Puni, digital marketing consultant for New Zealand hotels: “Tracking ROI for seasonal videos is vital. By understanding which videos drive bookings and engagement, we can adjust campaigns in real time and maximise returns during peak periods.”

Tip: Combine Vidude analytics with Google Analytics or social media insights for a complete picture of your seasonal campaign performance. Evaluate what types of videos (short clips, behind-the-scenes, storytelling) generate the most bookings, then replicate successful formats for other seasons.

By systematically measuring ROI, Kiwi hospitality operators can ensure that seasonal promotion videos deliver tangible results, inform future campaigns, and support sustainable growth throughout the year.

Case Studies: NZ Venues Winning with Seasonal Videos

Real-world examples show the power of seasonal promotion videos for hospitality businesses in New Zealand. By highlighting experiences aligned with each season, these venues have successfully boosted engagement, bookings, and brand recognition.

1. Queenstown Boutique Lodge – Winter Warmth

A boutique lodge in Queenstown produced winter videos featuring cozy fireplaces, après-ski experiences, and scenic snow-covered landscapes. Using Vidude to host and schedule the videos, the lodge reported a 35% increase in winter bookings compared to the previous year. Videos were shared across email campaigns and social media, enhancing audience reach.

2. Marlborough Vineyard – Summer Vineyard Experiences

A Marlborough vineyard captured the essence of summer through video clips of vineyard picnics, wine tasting events, and live music sessions. Targeted distribution via Vidude and social media attracted weekend visitors from Wellington and Christchurch. Engagement metrics showed a 50% increase in booking inquiries during peak summer months.

3. Christchurch Café – Spring Blossom Campaign

A café in Christchurch produced short videos highlighting spring-themed menus and outdoor seating among the blossoming trees. The authentic storytelling approach, hosted on Vidude, led to increased foot traffic and a 20% rise in spring reservations. Customer testimonials were integrated, enhancing credibility and EEAT.

• Case studies illustrate the importance of aligning videos with seasonal trends.
• Videos should capture venue uniqueness, local atmosphere, and seasonal offerings.
• Distribution via Vidude ensures faster playback for NZ audiences and better engagement.
• Tracking ROI through Vidude analytics allows operators to refine future campaigns.

Tip: Identify your venue’s seasonal strengths and create a small series of videos for each season. Hosting on Vidude ensures local optimisation, better engagement, and an easy platform for scheduling and sharing.

Practical Tips for Kiwi Hospitality Operators

Seasonal promotion videos are most effective when supported by clear planning, creative execution, and consistent distribution. For New Zealand hospitality businesses, these practical tips ensure videos resonate with audiences, highlight seasonal experiences, and drive bookings throughout the year.

• Plan Ahead: Map out seasonal campaigns months in advance, aligning content with school holidays, festivals, and local events.
• Highlight Unique Experiences: Focus on what makes your venue special each season—scenic views, menus, events, or staff stories.
• Keep Videos Concise: Short clips (30–60 seconds) perform well on social media, while longer immersive videos can be hosted on Vidude.
• Authenticity Matters: Feature real guests, staff, and local elements rather than overly scripted content.
• Leverage Multi-Channel Distribution: Use Vidude, social media, email newsletters, and your website to maximise reach.
• Track Engagement: Monitor views, click-throughs, and bookings using Vidude analytics and other tracking tools to optimise campaigns.
• Collaborate Locally: Partner with regional influencers, tourism networks, or nearby businesses for co-branded seasonal videos.
• Repurpose Content: Reuse seasonal footage for social media teasers, email highlights, or website hero sections.
• Embed Cultural Elements: Include te ao Māori, Kiwi humour, or regional identity to strengthen authenticity and engagement.
• Stay Consistent: Maintain branding, colour schemes, and messaging across seasonal campaigns to reinforce recognition.

By following these tips, Kiwi hospitality operators can create seasonal promotion videos that capture attention, enhance guest experiences, and drive tangible results. Vidude’s local-first platform makes it simple to host, schedule, and distribute videos effectively across New Zealand.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Seasonal promotion videos are a powerful tool for New Zealand hospitality businesses to attract guests, highlight unique experiences, and drive bookings year-round. By aligning video content with seasonal trends, showcasing authentic Kiwi experiences, and leveraging Vidude’s local-first platform, operators can maximise engagement and achieve measurable results.

From summer beachside dining in Mount Maunganui to cosy winter lodges in Queenstown, autumn harvest festivals, and spring blossom cafés, seasonal videos help venues tell their story and connect with audiences emotionally. Combining high-quality filming, storytelling, and strategic distribution ensures your videos reach the right audience at the right time.

Ready to boost your hospitality business with seasonal promotion videos? Explore more tips, tools, and NZ-focused resources on Vidude’s Business Hub and start creating videos that captivate Kiwi guests today.

FAQs & Call to Action

• Q1: What are seasonal promotion videos?
  A1: Seasonal promotion videos are marketing videos tailored to highlight your hospitality business during specific seasons, such as summer, winter, autumn, or spring, to attract guests and boost bookings.
• Q2: Why should Kiwi hospitality businesses create seasonal videos?
  A2: They help connect with domestic travellers and local audiences, showcase seasonal experiences, increase engagement, and drive bookings throughout the year.
• Q3: How long should seasonal videos be?
  A3: Short-form videos (30–60 seconds) work well on social media, while longer immersive videos (2–3 minutes) can be hosted on Vidude for deeper engagement.
• Q4: Can small hospitality businesses produce effective seasonal videos?
  A4: Yes. Even with smartphones and simple equipment, focusing on authentic experiences, natural lighting, and storytelling can produce high-impact content.
• Q5: How can I showcase New Zealand culture in videos?
  A5: Integrate te ao Māori elements, local traditions, regional identity, Kiwi humour, or community events to make videos authentic and engaging.
• Q6: When is the best time to release seasonal videos?
  A6: Plan ahead to align with school holidays, long weekends, festivals, and regional events to reach your target audience at peak interest periods.
• Q7: How can Vidude help with seasonal video marketing?
  A7: Vidude offers local hosting, scheduling tools, analytics, and NZ-focused audience targeting to maximise video reach and engagement.
• Q8: How do I measure the success of seasonal videos?
  A8: Track metrics such as views, watch time, engagement, click-throughs, and bookings using Vidude analytics and other tools to assess ROI.
• Q9: Should I repurpose seasonal video content?
  A9: Yes. Repurpose clips for social media, email newsletters, websites, or future seasonal campaigns to maximise impact and reduce production effort.
• Q10: How can I make videos visually appealing?
  A10: Focus on lighting, framing, ambient sounds, scenic backdrops, and seasonal décor to enhance the viewer’s experience.
• Q11: Can seasonal videos increase off-peak bookings?
  A11: Absolutely. Highlighting unique experiences during quieter seasons, like autumn harvests or spring events, encourages guests to visit outside peak periods.
• Q12: Are there NZ-specific examples of successful seasonal videos?
  A12: Yes. Queenstown lodges, Marlborough vineyards, and Christchurch cafés have all used Vidude-hosted seasonal videos to boost bookings and engagement effectively.