Travel agents tour Coast’s “Unmissable Icons”

The agents were collected in Queenstown and travelled north through Haast to Karamea before finishing in Christchurch, showcasing all six of the region’s Unmissable Icons — Haast UNESCO World Heritage Area, the glaciers, Hokitika Gorge, Pancake Rocks, Lake Brunner, and the Ōpārara Arches.

DWC’s Trade and Marketing Executive, Maia Peart-Anderson, who led the trip, said it was designed to give agents a deeper understanding of what makes the region unique.

“This was our biggest famil of the year, and travelling the full length of the West Coast gave agents a real sense of the region’s scale and diversity,” she said. “Experiencing the six icons first-hand, alongside a wide range of activities, means they’re now even better equipped to share the West Coast story with their clients, ultimately helping to drive more bookings to the region”

The group took in scenic highlights such as Fantail Falls, the Gates of Haast and Thunder Creek Falls, before joining a Waiatoto River Safari in Haast. In glacier country they visited Lake Matheson, took a twin-glacier scenic flight, explored off-road with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours, and soaked in the Waiho Hot Tubs. They also cruised with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours, visited the National Kiwi Centre and Shantytown Heritage Park, and enjoyed local hospitality at the Hokitika Sandwich Company and Lake Brunner Eco Lodge.

Further north, the agents walked the Māwhera Pounamu Pathway, met local operators in Punakaiki over lunch, visited the Paparoa Experience, and explored the Oparara Arches and Honeycomb Hill Cave near Karamea. The trip ended with a relaxing sauna and soak at Maruia Hot Springs before farewells at Christchurch Airport.

The trip received enthusiastic feedback from the agents. “I knew the West Coast was great but now understand just how fantastic it is and that there is something to appeal to everyone,” said one agent. “The West Coast showcases so much that clients need to stay longer.” Another added, “I had forgotten how beautiful the West Coast is. The landscape is spectacular. It’s definitely a destination for all nature and adventure lovers.”

Peart-Anderson said the famil was an invaluable opportunity to showcase the Coast’s iconic attractions and the warmth and hospitality of its people.