In July, eight Inbound Tour Operators (IBOs) explored New Zealand's South Westland region on a famil that showcased some of the West Coast’s most iconic and unique experiences.
The famil began with a TranzAlpine Scenic Plus train journey from Christchurch to Greymouth. The group toured Monteith's Brewery and visited Shantytown Heritage Park for gold panning. They inspected Awatuna Sunset Lodge and dined at the Woodstock Hotel, staying overnight at the Beachfront Hotel Hokitika.
The following day, the group split into two. One half took a scenic flight over six glaciers with Precision Helicopters, while the other walked to the Hokitika Gorge. The groups then swapped activities before enjoying lunch at Hokitika Sandwich Company. They continued south to inspect Ross Beach TOP10 Holiday Park and Wilder in Franz Josef, before dining and staying two nights at Legacy Te Waonui Hotel.
On day three in Franz Josef, the group enjoyed a scenic cruise and nature walk on Lake Mapourika with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours, followed by an Off-Roading Adventure. Lunch was held at Snakebite Brewery before a VIP Backstage Pass experience at the West Coast Wildlife Centre. They relaxed at Waiho Hot Tubs and dined at Blue Ice Restaurant & Bar.
The following day, the group took part in a Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike. Afterward, they had lunch at Matheson Cafe, followed by a walk on the Lake Matheson Walkway and a visit to the Fox Glacier Viewpoint - Te Kopikopiko o Te Waka. They inspected the Heartland Hotel Glacier Country, hosted a networking hour and dinner with local tourism operators at Betsey Jane Eatery & Bar, and stayed overnight at Te Weheka Hotel Fox Glacier.
The final day featured a guided kayaking tour on the Okarito Lagoon with Okarito Kayaks. The group then experienced the West Coast Treetop Walk & Zipline combo. The famil concluded with farewells and a flight from Hokitika back to Christchurch.
This famil was experienced by agents from the below accounts:
ANZCRO - Australia
New Zealand Journeys - IBO
Pacific Destinations - IBO
Destination Design New Zealand - IBO
Abercrombie & Kent - Australia
ID New Zealand - IBO
General Travel - IBO
Lion International Travel Services - IBO