News

In many parts of the world, helicopters are restricted to flying set routes on a set flight plan, submitted days before the event. This has resulted in the development of fixed helicopter product. In New Zealand we are blessed with very few restrictions. It is possible to use a helicopter like a personal vehicle. Two weeks ago I was with some clients and we had no ground transport... > Read more

The luxury segment of the tourism industry in New Zealand is unfortunately still only partly understood. Governmental and industry bodies have at least come some way since considering a minibus with seats as "luxury". However, they are still only part of the way to understanding what luxury means in the US and Europe. We are exhibiting next month at the top luxury travel show in... > Read more

At least our marketing is working at home! My daughter surprised me in July when she asked for an "Ahipara Day" as a special treat for her birthday. I was delighted and put together something based around her interests - a helicopter tour over the city and visits to a few designer boutiques as well as a trendy little French cafe. She's a very mature 8-year old. However, my second... > Read more

That little ridge in the centre of the photo is where you can find Silver Pine. Obviously the location (on the cross-bar of the H formed between the junction of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea) is quite special. If you have a look on their website, you will also see that the architecture is special. What is not immediately apparent - and another reason why web-searches alone cannot give you... > Read more

Our marketing trip to Russia at the end of September went very well. As we expected, there was an almost desperate requirement for any sort of information as to what was available in this country. The Russian monied classes have travelled most of the known world and are now looking for fringe and unusual destinations. They spend more than other travellers, enjoy luxury and seek deep... > Read more

Takaro Lodge is not what one would expect. Not a "discerning" place for the lodge trophy hunters. No ties for dinner. No lists of sanctioned local activities. No "children not allowed" rules. And no spa which only pays lip service to modern spa techniques. This is a place where relaxation is king. Where relaxation is studied, taught and implemented. Where modern... > Read more

We spent the last 12 days trialling a top of the range Maui campervan in New Zealand's South Island. This also gave us the opportunity to catch up with some existing suppliers and some new suppliers. We will occasionally profile some of these in our newsletters. A very memorable day for us was being hosted by Brian Templeton, owner of Elm Wildlife Tours in Dunedin. He has access to some... > Read more

We were delighted when Jean-Michel was asked onto the Steering Committee looking at the future of tourism for Auckland. Quite apart from the recognition this showed, it also allowed small innovative businesses a voice in this process. The process is well under way and the steering committee has had two good meetings. The ideas coming through from the sub-committees are hard-hitting and it looks... > Read more

"Experience" is the latest buzzword to fall foul of tourism marketing people. Research tells them that "experiences" are what travellers want, therefore, as good marketing professionals, everything they look at suddenly become "experiences". All of a sudden, a stay at a luxury lodge is now an "experience", made up of a host of complicated... > Read more

Grigory was our first client - way back at the start of 2001. He and I were sitting at Auckland Airport and he was taking his leave before boarding his aircraft back to Russia. He had spent the morning out at Great Barrier Island surfing with New Zealand windsurfing icon Bruce Kendall. Bruce had mentioned the spot to him a few days before and he had turned to me - "can you set it... > Read more