News

After two highly successful overseas marketing trips, we decided to start worrying about capacity. What would we do if people followed through with an increased level of business? The obvious answer is increase capacity - add some more guides capable of handling real VIPs. As usual, we didn't think the obvious answer was interesting enough. The guides had to be able to bring something else... > Read more

10 Jan 07

While at ILTM in Cannes (the No1 international luxury tourism trade show) we were delighted to meet a growing number of top-end players who are talking increasingly about "personal service" as the goal of luxury clients and operators. The definition is to get your VIP whatever they want, from exclusive experiences through to the right doctor, fast. From something for their daughter's... > Read more

19 Dec 06

Well, not quite. Like many things, they seem similar on the surface but once one gets below the surface they're all different. Consider these different beaches we have used (and yes, most of them were deserted): - a beach in the far north where the top quad bike ride in the country takes people up 300ft sand dunes. Remote and wild. - a beach on a private island for a full-on Maori waka... > Read more

13 Dec 06

We used this place in February of this year as the setting for a billionaire's birthday party. We think it is unique in giving luxury clients a taste of how New Zealanders would spend their luxury dollars if they had enough of them. Eco-friendly design, just 6 beds on a private island of 80 acres, excellent fittings, and the best view from a spa bed I have ever seen, all combine to make... > Read more

9 Dec 06

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

6 Dec 06

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

16 Nov 06

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

6 Nov 06

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

6 Nov 06

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

22 Oct 06

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

18 Oct 06