We are exploring how technologies can be used to communicate Aotearoa’s cultural and natural heritage for those as virtual (not physically present), latent (intending to visit), and actual (physically present).

We are also investigating how technology and virtual tourism in general is meeting the requirements and aspirations of key groups in the tourism sector.

Our interdisciplinary project uses an iterative development model, in close association with social science methods and Kaupapa Māori methodology.

Core elements are:

• An iterative user-focused design cycle

• Implementation and evaluation of a series of prototypes with end-users

• In-depth expert interviews

• Participatory action research through an iterative development model, and

• A Kaupapa Māori model using a thought space wānanga approach thus creating a better understanding of Virtual Tourism’s role in Aotearoa through the participation and action by members of affected communities informing the development of the project.

The involvement of end users through an iterative, participatory design process is the core of our interdisciplinary research methodology.

Building on our prior state-of-the-art research and combined with world leading researchers in indigenous knowledge and sustainable tourism, we are advancing the following areas:

• Large-scale telepresence capturing, streaming, and rendering of large, unprepared outdoor environments, creating the feeling of being there.

• Collaboration in unprepared environments and mobile contexts demonstrating active engagement between virtually co-located visitors in a tourism context (being there together).

• Beyond being there together exploring techniques and measurements to improve and assess the quality of a virtual touristic experience.

• Understanding of the role of Virtual Tourism for communicating cultural heritage and culture.

• Virtual Tourism and its role in transforming the current tourism model, to support the development of a more sustainable and resilient tourism sector.

Implementing our vision of 'He karapitipitinga mariko' and understanding its impact and risks for Aotearoa requires work in three areas:

• Understanding the goals and needs of tourism stakeholders in Aotearoa in the face of sustainability challenges and how these are satisfied in a ‘new’ tourism that integrates virtual tourism.

• Building and evaluating technical prototypes for demonstrating virtual tourism replicating key experiences of traditional tourism converging into minimal viable products.

• Transfer of knowledge and deployment of virtual tourism as a key element for a sustainable ‘new’ tourism sector in Aotearoa.