A whirlwind adventure unfolded for a group of eight international and NZ travel agents as they traversed through the West Coast.
Their journey began aboard the luxurious TranzAlpine Scenic Plus train, traversing breathtaking landscapes en-route to Greymouth. Immersing themselves in the local scene, they delved into the rich history at Shantytown Heritage Park, savored a refreshing brew at the Monteith's Brewery, and marveled at the natural wonders of Pancake Rocks and Dolomite Point.
Luxurious site visits to Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, Breakers Boutique Accommodation, and Rainforest Retreat provided pockets of relaxation amidst the exploration. From Fox Glacier Guiding Heli Hike to the thrilling Franz Josef Wilderness Tours - Classic Kayak and Quad Bike adventures, the group got their adrenaline pumping. Days were spent soaking in the natural hot pools at Maruia Hot Springs and indulging in delectable meals prepared by Select Catering and the Hokitika Sandwich Company.
They explored the artistic haven of Hokitika, cycled the scenic West Coast Wilderness Trail, and even climbed amongst the giants with the West Coast Treetop Walk & Zipline. From the historic charm of Reefton Distilling Co. to the picture-perfect Ross Beach, every corner held a new discovery. Whether nestled in cozy accommodations like Awatuna Sunset Lodge, Woodland Glen Lodge, or the unique Hokitika Fire Station Boutique Apartments, comfort was assured.
This trip wasn't just about exploring the sights. In true Kiwi fashion, the experience was enriched by fostering connections. Two local operators joined the agents for dinner at Copthorne Hotel Greymouth for a meet and greet networking event, allowing them to build relationships with the very people who create these unforgettable experiences. The spirit of collaboration continued with further networking events at Rainforest Retreat, where three local operators mingled with the group, and again at Woodstock Hotel Hokitika, where another operator joined. These interactions provided the agents with invaluable insights into the West Coast's tourism industry, ensuring they can curate the most authentic and enriching experiences for their clients.
This famil was experienced by agents from the below accounts:
- Active Down Under
- NewShan Travel
- Group Travel Australia
- Relaxed Travel Escapes
- UnVeiled Travel Co LLC
- Sedunia Travel Services Sdn. Bhd.
- Pacific Travel House
- Group Travel Australia
- Boomerang Reisen GmbH