Exclusive Experiences
Back in 2001 we set ourselves an objective - to provide our clients with super-quality daytime experiences which would complement excellent accommodation. It is a cornerstone of our philosophy that accommodation is only part of the equation and that therefore it was our duty to provide and if necessary invent top-quality experiences which allow our clients to get under the skin of the country. At the time, New Zealand had very few off the shelf experiences which were of true luxury quality.
Since then, the country has evolved fast and many operators now provide some truly excellent experiences (Wilkin River Jets, Kai Waho, and Taiamai to mention three). However, we have continued our focus on special days and continue to evolve new experiences every year. Some of these are with tourism operators and some are with high achievers outside the tourist industry. And we still retain our capability of putting together ad hoc days based on client requirements.
We have always worked closely with activity providers, coaching, tweaking, asking. Spending time with them, truly understanding them and helping them understand our clients. This investment has resulted in close relationships with a number of star performers who have created warm bonds with our clients over the years. This is what we offer our clients.
Please be aware that almost every other operator in the business will be providing off the shelf packages dressed up as something exclusive. Or providing promises while not even including activities in their itineraries. This is because they have not invested the time in understanding the country and do not know what we know.
What you see below is a line-up of some of our favourites, but by no means a comprehensive list of all of our activities. Given the tendency by some people in the market to copy some of what we do, or to make promises that they can do similar things, we have put these experiences together on a truly exclusive level. They are simply not available elsewhere.
Rotorua-Taupo Day - Maori & Geothermal
This is quite a special day we have put together with Delani Brown, master carver of the Tuwharetoa tribe. We have also put it together with Volcanic Air for the helicopter variant. Start the day with Delani understanding the Maori legends underpinning geothermal activity in this part of the country, and the early uses to which Maori put this geothermal activity. Then we spend... > Read more
Auckland Day - Private Gardens with Tony Murrell
Tony Murrell has long been recognised as one of the country's top landscaping talents. Extremely knowledgeable about our local and exotic plants, and high-profile in our media, he has been responsible for quite a number of beautiful private gardens throughout the country but mainly in the Auckland region. Tony takes our clients on a private tour of Auckland gardens which changes every... > Read more
Queenstown Day - Private Jetboating
Moving into the less busy season, it's of course time to put together new product. Our reputation hinges not only on flawless logistics and accommodation recommendations but very much on innovative days which connect our travellers with our country in a high quality, unique, complex and enjoyable way. Jetboats have long been one of our favourites and we have put together... > Read more
Bay of Islands Multi Day - Waitangi Day with Nga Puhi
We are delighted to share with you the news that our US partner has won a major award. Cultural Crossroads (follow the link and see the award) and our longstanding Maori partner Taiamai Tours have worked with us in putting this together. The tour features a 6-day in-depth cultural immersion with Ngapuhi, culminating in a day at prayers, on the water, and on the beach at Waitangi Day... > Read more
Queenstown-Wanaka Day - Helicopter Adventure with Lydia Bradey
Lydia is the first lady to climb Everest with no additional oxygen. She lives in and loves the Wanaka region. Together with her we have put together a highly successful day using a helicopter to see her favourite parts of Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland, gaining special one-off permissions from the Department of Conservation to land. Walking can be included from... > Read more
Auckland Day - Drinks with an All Black
Not just any All Black. One of the greats. Frano Botica is our man. Of course we can also put together all sorts of hospitality packages, tailored events, special places and a supporting cast of many All Blacks and ex-All Blacks. While Frano is not exclusive to us (he has a successful public speaking business), we have a close relationship with him. Frano... > Read more
Hawkes Bay Day - Horses, wine and Maori
Start the day with scenic drive through some spectacular Hawke’s bay countryside and on to the remote and unspoilt, golden sandy beach that is Waimarama. Here lives our extraordinary Maori elder (Kuia), who lives an inspired life in the rhythms and age old customs of the Maori culture. On her land experience a formal welcome (powhiri) and Wero (challenge) performed by her son,... > Read more
