This September, nine of our top Chinese Inbound Tour Operators (IBOs) embarked on a West Coast Trade Famil focused on products that best aligned with the Chinese market.
Itinerary
The trip kicked off with the scenic TranzAlpine Train journey from Christchurch to Moana (Lake Brunner). Upon arrival, Explore West Coast greeted the group and provided transfers for the duration of the famil. The first day included a site inspection of Hotel Lake Brunner and lunch at the Kingfisher Bar & Restaurant. The journey then continued to Greymouth for a site inspection of the Copthorne Hotel, followed by a visit to Punakaiki’s iconic Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Track. Dinner was enjoyed at the Oceanview Restaurant, with an overnight stay at Scenic Hotel Punakaiki.
Day two brought more adventure, starting with a trip through Shantytown Heritage Park, offering a glimpse into the region’s gold mining past. After a site inspection of Beachfront Hotel Hokitika and lunch at the Hokitika Sandwich Company, the group experienced a twin helicopter flight with Heliservices.NZ over Franz Josef Glacier, providing incredible aerial views. In Fox Glacier, they viewed Heartland Hotel Glacier Country and Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier, followed by a site inspection at Rainforest Retreat. The day concluded with accommodation at Legacy Te Waonui Hotel and dinner at the Blue Ice Restaurant and Bar.
The penultimate day was packed with West Coast highlights. It began with an Off-Road Adventure with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours, followed by a special VIP Backstage Pass experience at the West Coast Wildlife Centre, offering insights into kiwi conservation. The group then returned to Hokitika for the thrilling West Coast Treetop Walk & Tower Zipline Combo. The day ended with a relaxing night at Maruia Hot Springs.
On the final day, agents enjoyed the sauna and bathing at Maruia Hot Springs before departing for Christchurch International Airport.
This famil was experienced by agents from the below accounts:
Master Travel Group
KAD International Travel Services
GSN Pacific
Worldwide
ANZ Holiday
Up Travel
YNZ Holiday