In May, nine international travel sellers embarked on a familiarization trip to the West Coast, immersing themselves in the region's diverse attractions and accommodations.
The journey kicked off in Christchurch, where the group boarded the TranzAlpine train that carried them over the Southern Alps to Moana, Lake Brunner. Lunch was enjoyed at Hotel Lake Brunner. The afternoon featured a site inspection of the Copthorne Hotel Greymouth, followed by The Paparoa Experience and an overnight stay at Scenic Hotel Punakaiki.
Day two was packed with adventure, including underground rafting with Underworld Adventures and an exhilarating experience at the West Coast Treetop Walk and Tower Zipline. After a meal at the Blue Ice Restaurant and Bar, the group settled in for the night at Te Waonui Forest Retreat in Franz Josef.
The following day offered a VIP backstage pass at the West Coast Wildlife Centre. Site inspections at Rainforest Retreat and Heartland Hotel Glacier Country preceded a thrilling Heli Hike with Fox Glacier Guiding. The afternoon included a stroll along the Lake Matheson Walkway, a site inspection at Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier, dinner at Betsey Jane Eatery and Bar, and a night at Te Weheka Retreat Fox Glacier.
The penultimate day began with a breathtaking helicopter flight over Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers with Heliservices.NZ. This was followed by an adventurous quad biking tour with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours and a site inspection of the Beachfront Hotel. The day concluded at Maruia Hot Springs, where the group enjoyed a relaxing bathe, sauna, dinner, and an overnight stay.
The trip concluded the following morning with a transfer to Christchurch International Airport. This comprehensive itinerary successfully provided international travel sellers with invaluable firsthand knowledge of the West Coast's offerings.
This famil was experienced by agents from the below accounts:
Beijing Hantu International Travel Services - North China
GZL International TRavel Service Ltd - South China
Guangzhou Comfort International / Swallow Holidays - South China
Fujian Comfort International / CCT - Rest of China
Chongqing Haixia International Travel Service Co - Rest of China
Ctrip / Trip.com group - East China
Shanghai Tongzhisheng International - East China
Shanghai Zhongqiao International - East China
New Star Travel Services - South China