Thinkerbell launches first work for RealNZ

Cardrona Alpine Resort and Treble Cone invited surfers to trade sand for snow in a one-morning-only Board Swap activation via Thinkerbell.

The campaign marks the start of Thinkerbell’s role as RealNZ’s earned media agency of record across New Zealand and Australia.

The activation landed after Cardrona’s 2025 winter season opener and the debut of Soho Basin: a 150-hectare terrain expansion, and the resort’s biggest milestone in over a decade.

Surfers, including Olympian and two-time world champion Tyler Wright, took part in the activation. They were offered snowboards and three-day passes to Cardrona or Treble Cone in exchange for their surfboards.

Each swapped board was then donated to the Bondi Surf Club.

A bold start to the partnership

Jessica Allison, general manager at Thinkerbell Aotearoa says, “Board Swap is a brilliant expression of what this collaboration is all about: using creative earned ideas to bring RealNZ’s story to unexpected places.

“Landing snowboards at Bondi is attention-grabbing, but it also captures something deeper: the thrill of discovery, and the invitation to experience Aotearoa’s wild side. We’re proud to kick things off with work that’s as imaginative as it is purposeful.”

RealNZ’s general manager of marketing Alesha Stefanissin says, “This work is a bold start to our partnership with Thinkerbell.

“We’ve got world-class experiences and a big story to tell. Thinkerbell brings the energy, creativity and reach to help us do that across both sides of the Tasman.”