West Coast Little Luxuries Trade Famil - September 2024

Our first West Coast Little Luxuries famil was such a success, that we organized another one! Nine travel agents from Australia and New Zealand visited the West Coast, experiencing the regions hidden gems and luxurious experiences.

Beginning in Christchurch, the group travelled through to Maruia springs, relaxing in the natural hot pools and later fueled by their carefully curated produce and plant power platters. Following lunch they visited Reefton Distilling Co. where Shayne shared the history of the region and the distillery. The agents then explored the Maori legends at the Mawhera Pounamu Pathway. The pancake rocks and blowholes were the next stop, the geological beauty wasn’t short of spectacular, and a peaceful overnight stay at the Scenic Hotel Punakaiki.

The second day of the famil showcased some of the West Coasts boutique accommodations, with site inspections at Breakers Boutique Accommodation, Te Aka Treehouse, Lake Brunner Eco Lodge, and the historic Theatre Royal Hotel. Stopping into see Matt at Precision Helicopters for a product update, followed by the Hokitika Gorge Walk. The Woodstock Hotel provided an exemptional dinner, the group then split with some agents staying at the beautiful Rimu Lodge, and the others at the historic Hokitika Fire Station Boutique Apartments.

Sea views and a wholesome breakfast at the Beachfront Hotel Hokitika kick started the day, followed by an exhilarating treetop adventure at the West Coast Treetop Walk & Zipline. Before heading to the Glacier Country, the group inspected the Ross Beach Top 10 Holiday park. The SnakeBite in Franz Josef treated us to a delicious lunch, before a product update at INFLITE and a soak at the tranquil Waiho Hot Tubs. Before their stay at Te Weheka Hotel the agents enjoyed a curated dinner at the Betsy Jane.

The next morning the group was up with the birds, and made their way down to Haast, where they experienced the Waiatoto River Safaris, witnessing a snipped of the UNESCO World Heritage area. Lake Moeraki Wilderness lodge welcomed the agents with a beautiful lunch and site inspection, before returning to Franz Josef and settling into Te Waonui for the night.

The ultimate adventure awaits Friday morning, with a Franz Josef Glacier Guides Heli-Hike, followed by a site inspection at the Rainforest Retreat. Returning to Christchurch on the luxury Tranz Alpine Scenic Plus Service, their journey concludes with a memorable stay at Fable Christchurch.

This famil was experienced by agents from the below accounts:

  • AR Luxury Travel
  • Walk into Luxury PTY Ltd
  • Leisure Time Group
  • Journey South
  • Australia & New Zealand Holidays
  • Southern World
  • Abercrombie & Kent
  • ANZCRO
  • Pan Pacific Travel