A recent familiarization trip for eight international and NZ travel agents explored the wonders of the West Coast.
The group kicked things off in Christchurch before delving into geothermal bliss at Maruia Hot Springs. They then journeyed through history at Reefton Distilling Co. and the Mawhera Pounamu Pathway. Scenic stays included the Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, where they witnessed the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk, and Dolomite Point Experience Centre. They enjoyed boutique site inspections at Breakers Boutique Accommodation, Goldfield Suites, and Copthorne Hotel Greymouth.
Immersing themselves in local culture, they toured the Monteiths Brewery and soared through the rainforest canopy with the West Coast Treetop Walk & Zipline. Luxurious accommodations awaited at Distinction Fox Glacier Te Weheka Hotel, followed by a culinary treat at Betsey Jane Eatery & Bar. Adventure beckoned with a Waiatoto River Safari and a breathtaking Heliservices Hanging Lakes Scenic Flight. Relaxation came in the form of the Heartland Haast Hotel and Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki, while Te Waonui Forest Retreat offered a nature escape. Adrenaline returned with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours Quad Biking, and the trip concluded with a scenic journey aboard the TranzAlpine Train Scenic Plus Service.
This immersive itinerary showcased the diverse experiences the West Coast offers, providing agents with firsthand knowledge to create unforgettable itineraries for their clients. To further strengthen these connections, the trip offered valuable networking opportunities. Seven local operators joined the agents for dinner at Scenic Hotel Punakaiki, fostering new partnerships and a deeper understanding of the region's offerings. This was followed by another engaging evening with two additional local operators at Betsey Jane Eatery & Bar, solidifying the strong relationships between agents and West Coast tourism businesses.
This famil was experienced by agents from the below accounts:
- H.I.S. New Zealand Ltd
- Thomas Cook India Ltd
- Bespoke Journeys
- Dreamaroo Australia Pty Ltd
- Flight Centre Travel Group
- Journey South Travel
- Lotus Vacations India
- Pristine Travels Private Limited,Kolkata ,India