An interview with Ulva's Guided Walks, Stewart Island

Interview with Ulva Goodwillie of Ulva's Guided Walks, Stewart Island

Marijke: "Ulva, could you tell me about Ulva's Guided Walks?"

Ulva: "Ulva’s Guided Walks is a locally owned and operated birding and wildlife company on Stewart Island - the third largest island in NZ.  Our speciality is taking half day guided tours on Ulva Island, the southern-most predator-free isolated island bird sanctuary in the southern hemisphere."

Marijke: "What do your customers particularly enjoy about the experience?"

 Ulva:  "The birdlife, wildlife and plantlife.  We have native, endemic, rare and endangered species of birds and plants that are only found here.  We also have a great team of specialist natural history guides who take huge pleasure in showing our unique flora and fauna."

Marijke: "What’s new this season?"

Ulva:  "We offer a package called the Birding Bonanza which combines three "must do" birding trips for probably the best 24 hours birding in New Zealand: a guided walk on Ulva Island (usually in the morning) an afternoon pelagic with Aurora Charters, and then Kiwi spotting with Bravo Adventures in the evening (there is a possibility that this could be done on an alternative night if you want to spread things out). It has been extremely successful, and we are making a scheduled weekly departure to make it easier for overseas clients to adjust their itinerary accordingly."

Contact details:

Ulva's Guided Walks

Ulva Goodwillie

PO Box 85S

Stewart Island
New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 219 1216
Email: info@ulva.co.nz
Website: http://www.ulva.co.nz/

An interview with Mountain Range Boutique Lodge, Wanaka

Interview with Stuart Pinfold of Mountain Range Boutique Lodge, Wanaka

Marijke: "Stuart, could you tell me a bit about Mountain Range Lodge?"

Stuart: "Mountain Range Boutique Lodge is the perfect combination of boutique hotel and bed & breakfast.  We offer travelers a place to relax and rejuvenate, meet other like minded people, and to base themselves while exploring Wanaka and the spectacular Southern Lakes region."

Marijke: "What do your customers particularly enjoy about the experience?"

Stuart: "Our customers say that they love all the little extras that come with staying at Mountain Range-  The NZ-made Linden Leaves bath products, freshly baked afternoon teas, mountain bikes, free WI-FI and the all inclusiveness of the stay.  With only six rooms we are able to offer a truly personalized service for each guests while at the same time we are really careful not to smother them.  We are here for them when they need us."

Marijke: "What’s new this season?"

Stuart: "We are just about to launch a new website.  We have been working a lot in the garden and have put in a new irrigation system (watch our garden grow!).  The other big thing is that we have introduced a 2 night minimum stay policy this year.  Wanaka is such a great place and deserves more time, and we don't think we've ever had a guest who didn't wish they were staying longer!"

Contact details:
Mountain Range Boutique Lodge
Stuart & Melanie Pinfold
PO Box 451
Wanaka, New Zealand
http://www.moutainrange.co.nz/
stay@moutainrange.co.nz
Flickr photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mountainrangelodge/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/www.mountainrange
Blog: http://mountainrangelodge.blogspot.com/

An interview with the Lodge at Tikana, Browns, Southland

Interview with Dave Lawrence of the Lodge at Tikana, Browns

Marijke: "Dave, could you tell me about the Lodge at Tikana?"

Dave: "The Lodge at Tikana is the only accommodation in the region that caters to the top end market. We are ideally situated for visitors wanting to explore Fiordland, Stewart Island or the Catlins."

Marijke: "What do your customers particularly enjoy about the experience?"

Dave: "The privacy and exclusivity that being the only guests affords."

Marijke: "What’s new this season?"

Dave: "There is an iPad for guest use to download their photos and email home."

Contact details:

The Lodge at Tikana

Dave Lawrence & Donna Day

Browns
RD 1 Winton 9781
Southland
New Zealand

Phone: +64 3 236 4117

Email: info@tikana.co.nz

Website: http://www.tikana.co.nz/ 

 

An interview with Air Milford, Queenstown

Interview with Hank Sproull from Air Milford, Queenstown

Marijke: "Could you tell me about Air Milford?"

Hank: "Air Milford is a personalised charter and flight seeing company based in Queenstown.We specialize in flights to Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Mt Cook and the Glaciers. We are the only company in Queenstown with a Cessna Caravan.
Charter flights are also catered for to any NZ destination."

Marijke: "What do your customers particularly enjoy about the experience?"

Hank: "Our customers enjoy the personal touch and the true majesty of flying to Milford and surrounding areas."

Marijke: "What’s new this season?"

Hank: "We have a new office and hangar complex completed this last week.We are extremely pleased with our new buildings and can now offer our customers a clean and professional reception and hangar area."

Contact details:

Air Milford

Hank Sproull

1 Tex Smith Lane

Queenstown Airport
Ph: ++64 3 442 2351
Fax:  ++64 3 442 3249
Email:  info@airmilford.co.nz
Website: http://www.airmilford.co.nz/

FLIGHTS TO MILFORD SOUND / DOUBTFUL SOUND
Ask about our special charters
Cancellation policy applies

An interview with Limousine Line, Queenstown

Interview with Jonathan McNay of Limousine Line, Queenstown


Marijke: "Could you tell me about Limousine Line?"

Jonathan: "We offer luxurious chauffeur driven transport throughout the South Island. We train our chaufeurs extensively in customer service, professionalism, etiquette and safety.
The services we offer include weddings, sightseeing tours, wine trails, airport/ hotel/ restaurant transfers, international VIP's/diplomats and dignitaries and corporate events & functions.
We are passionate about what we do and that's why our customers come back to us."

Marijke: "What do your customers particularly enjoy about the experience?"

Jonathan: "I think the fact that we are a family run business and are local kiwi's known for our 'southern hospitality'. We know the South Island well, so apart from being professional chauffeurs, we are also guides that know a lot about the area and love sharing that with our customers. That's what they enjoy..."

Marijke: "What's new this season?"

Jonathan: "We continue to provide the customised transport services for our customers. One thing we'd like to focus on more is to provide a complete guided itinerary for our clients. For example: pick up from Christchurch, tour the South Island, drop off again in Christchurch (or Queenstown). The clients we have love the personalised guiding and chauffeur service."

Contact details:
Limousine Line
Jonathan McNay
PO Box 1939
Queenstown, New Zealand
Phone: +63 3 4422040
http://www.limousineline.co.nz/
info@limousineline.co.nz

An interview with Murrell's Grand View House, Manapouri, Fiordland

Interview with Philippa Murrell from Murrell's Grand View House, Manapouri

Marijke: "Could you tell me about Murrell's Grand View House"?

Philippa: "Our accommodation is unique for New Zealand.  Built in 1899 the house is the oldest of its kind in New Zealand - an accommodation house, built for visitors to Fiordland and still run by the Murrell family.  Rob is the 5th generation of Murrells in Manapouri.  We offer boutique accommodation with amazing views and fantastic hospitality." 


Marijke: "What do your customers particularly enjoy about the experience?"

Philippa:  "They enjoy the experience of staying somewhere very special, they enjoy their hosts and our sumptuous breakfasts - not to mention the magnificent views."

Marijke: "What’s new this season?"

Philippa: "Going into the 123rd year of operation we are proud to say that we have planted a small orchard which will hopefully provide fruit for our preserves and breakfasts over the next few years.  We are also offering a great antipasto platter for guests to enjoy as an alternative to going out for dinner.  We have a special rate for people staying more than one night as we feel that our guests enjoy the experience so much more when they can stay longer."


Contact details:
Philippa Murrell
Murrells Grand View House
Manapouri, Fiordland, New Zealand 
Website:  http://www.murrells.co.nz/. 
Email: enquire@murrells.co.nz.
Our facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/pages/Murrells-Grand-View-House/188320941207604.

An interview with Ti Kouka House, Barrytown, Punakaiki, West Coast

Interview with Russell Johns from Ti Kouka House, Punakaiki, West Coast

Marijke: "Could you tell me about Ti Kouka House?"

Russell: "Sandy and I [Russell] have been physically involved in building our luxury B&B from the ground up .Years of energy, and the use of some unusual ideas and much use of recovered historical materials has turned our plans into a creative reality. Situated on the Punakaiki highway overlooking the sea with asubtropical bush background - it's magic..."

Marijke: "What do guests particularly enjoy about the experience?"

Russell: "That would be the warmth and homelyness of the B&B -- and the hosts of course.The superbly cooked and presented breakfasts - maximising the use of the homegrown food from the gardens and henhouse. They also love the house and the location; the view of the sea and the mountains in the background..."
Marijke: "What's new this summer season?"

Russell: "For those customers that wish to linger another night, we crank up the outside woodfired oven and cook up a local sea food pizzaa or two-with the neccessary beverages!"


Contact details:
Ti Kouka House B&B
Russell Johns & Sandy Passent
2522 SH 6, Barrytown
RD 1 Runanga 7873
http://www.tikoukahouse.co.nz/
info@tikoukahouse.co.nz

An interview with Heliworks Queenstown Helicopters

Interview with Geet from Heliworks Queenstown Helicopters

Marijke: "Could you tell me a bit about Heliworks Queenstown Helicopters?"

Geet: "Heliworks offer helicopter flights throughout the Queenstown and Fiordland areas and also at Aoraki Mt Cook. We hold exclusive landing rights to a number of spectacular locations and our pilots have high flying hours and a multitude of experience in this diverse and unique region."

Marijke: "What do your customers particularly enjoy about the experience?"

Geet: "All of our flights can be tailored to the individuals interests and what it is that they want to see."

Marijke: "What’s new this season?"

Geet: "We have a new pilot on board, Steve Shaw, who has flown extensively in other parts of the world and brings a wealth of experience to the Heliworks Team.  We will be soon adding a new R44 to our helicopter fleet.  There are some exciting new scenic flights in the pipeline and we will let you know about those in the near future!"


Contact details:
Heliworks Queenstown Helicopters
Tex Smith Lane, Queenstown Airport, New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 441 4011
Website address: http://www.heliworks.co.nz/                     
Email: info@heliworks.co.nz
Contact person: Eilidh Booth

An interview with Vertigo Bikes - Queenstown

Interview with Tim from Vertigo Bikes, Queenstown


Marijke: "Tim, could you tell me a bit about Vertigo Bikes?"

Tim: "Vertigo Bikes is all about mountain biking! We guide on some of the best trails in the area, we sell bikes, rent bikes and fix bikes."

Marijke: "What do your customers particularly enjoy about the experience?"

Tim: "With Vertigo and riding mountain bikes, customers area actually doing something for themselves!! They get a massive sense of achievement and love the feeling of getting better at riding and gaining confidence."

Marijke: What’s new this season?

Tim: "Vertigo now have an awesome ‘self guided’ ride utilizing the newly constructed ‘Wakatipu Trail’. A beautiful ride from Arrowtown to Queenstown, which takes most people around 3.5 hours.

The Queenstown Mountain Bike School which we also operate, has new and exciting products ranging from 4 hour skills clinic’s to private guiding & instruction from our qualified Mountain Bike Coach. QMBS operates in the Queenstown Bike Park.

Also new is our year round bike rental operation out at the Hilton Village, Kawarau Falls. There is some great riding from our ‘Vertigo Hub’ in all directions – Jacks Point, Queenstown & Arrowtown.

We’ve also got a great new website that gives an even better insight into our trips and all the different things we have to offer. Check out http://www.vertigobikes.co.nz/


Contact details:

Phone: +3 442 8378
0800 VERTIGO (free phone; NZ only)
http://www.vertigobikes.co.nz/
info@vertigobikes.co.nz

An interview with Norwest Adventures, Westport, West Coast

Interview with Geoff Schurr from Norwest Adventures, Westport, West Coast

Marijke: "Could you tell me about your Norwest Adventures?"

Geoff: "Norwest Adventures Ltd was created to offer three distinct caving experiences:

• The internationally acclaimed Underworld Rafting in which visitors explore formations in the dry upper levels prior to a floating through incredible Glow worm lit grottoes and a fun return on the bouncy Nile River. 
• The passive Charleston Glow Worm Cave Tour, an eco tour through an enormous cave where visitors, in their normal warm clothing, experience a superb cave with spectacular formation and superb Glow worm displays. 
• The full on Adventure Caving which is as close as possible to that where experience and practise is required in a wild environment.

The Underworld Rafting and Charleston Glow Worm tours were enhanced in December 2002 by the implementation of The Charleston Nile River Rainforest Train, a superb eco tour in its own right for those who wish to experience the wonderful West Coast Wilderness."

 

Marijke: "What do your customers particularly enjoy about the experience?

Geoff: "Our Clients particularly enjoy the multi layered nature of the adventures but in particular the friendly and informative staff and the fantastic Cave and Glow worm displays."

Marijke: What’s new this season?

Geoff: "Currently we are constructing a new Base for the business with three levels to service our clients.  We have all the facilities to prepare and receive our Adventure clients as well as a cafe and meeting spaces above.  Likewise we also have some new personel to guide our clients through the pristine cave and forest environments that we are renowned for."

Contact details:
Norwest Adventures Ltd
The Charleston Hotel,
State Highway 6,
Charleston,
West Coast South Island,
New Zealand

Phone  +64 3 788 8168
Fax  +64 3 789 5508
Email  info@caverafting.com
Web  http://www.caverafting.com/
Reservations http://www.caverafting.com/make-a-booking/

An interview with Rosco's Milford Kayaks, Milford Sound

Interview with Rosco Gaudin from Rosco's Milford Kayaks, Milford Sound, Fiordland

Marijke: " Could you tell me about Rosco's Milford Kayaks?"

Rosco: "We are Milford Sounds longest owner operator kayak business, offering small personal kayak trips to suit all fitness levels."

Marijke: What do your customers particularly enjoy about the experience?

Rosco: "They love the up close personal experience, our experienced helpful guides, the hassle free way to see Milford Sound."

Marijke: "What’s new this season?"

Rosco: "This year we have our Fly Kayak Fly from Queenstown running, it is a great package with a flight to Milford Sound, kayak trip on our Sunriser Classic then flight home (weather permitting)."

Contact details:

Rosco’s Milford Kayaks
Town Ctr Te Anau

0800 476 72672

http://www.roscosmilfordkayaks.com/

rosco@roscosmilfordkayaks.com

An interview with Family Adventures - Queenstown

Interview with Mark from Family Adventures, Queenstown

Marijke: "Could you tell me a bit about Family Adventures?"

Mark: "We are an expedition style raft trip which combines rafting on the famous Shotover River, with a drive on the equally famous Skippers Gold Trail road.  Our guides will tell you tales of the old gold mining days while you witness truly awesome scenery float by."

Marijke: "What do your customers particularly enjoy about the experience?"

Mark:  "I think it is the personal touch we give to our trip.  We are constantly adapting to the different needs of each group, be they large or small, young or not so young."

Marijke: "What’s new this season?"

Mark: "This season when you buy a photo pack, available  immediately after your trip, we can put it onto a very handy (and stylish) 4GB USB stick which travellers should find very useful.  The photo pack price remains unchanged this season at $39."

Contact details:
Phone: + 64 3 442 8836,
0800 4 RAFTING (Freephone NZ only)
info@familyadventures.co.nz
http://www.familyadventures.co.nz/

An interview with Southern Lakes Helicopters, Te Anau, Fiordland

Interview with Ngaire from Southern Lakes Helicopters, Te Anau, Fiordland

Marijke: "Could you tell me a bit about Southern Lakes Helicopters?"

Ngaire: "Southern Lakes Helicopters offer scenic Fiordland helicopter flights. We go out of our way to make every experience for our clients one that leaves a lasting impression of professionalism and friendliness. Safety is of the highest priority. Our privately owned helicopter company specialises in personal service. Te Anau owned and operated. Flying in Fiordland is our passion and speciality."

Marijke: "What do your customers particularly enjoy about the experience?

Ngaire: "Customers often rave about the magnificent scenery of Fiordland, the fact that they wouldn’t have otherwise been able to see the sights they did.  They also appreciate the fact that  our pilots are very experienced and have high flying hours. Our visitors' book reflects that customers think they have had great value for money on our scenic flight."

Marijke: "Is it going to be a busy season?"

Ngaire: "Yes, we are looking forward to a great summer season!"

Contact details:

Southern Lakes Helicopters
PO Box 156
Te Anau
Phone: +64 3 249 7167
Email: info@southernlakeshelicopters.co.nz
Website: http://www.southernlakeshelicopters.co.nz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Southern-Lakes-Helicopters/109428299083688?sk=wall&filter=12

An interview with Private Discovery Tours - Queenstown

Interview with Charles Fraser of Private Discovery Tours (operated by RD Tours) - Queenstown


Marijke: "Could you tell me about Private Discovery?"
 Charles: "Private Discovery Tours has a unique and special High Country property which we have exclusive access to. This enables us to provide some different and exciting activities or events for guests. An example we are working on is our "Chef on the Mountain" a full sit down waitered lunch with our colourful chef Dave."

Marijke: "What do your customers particularly enjoy about the experience?"

Charles: "That they go to a location away from everyone else! Where they have incredible views, and can have a special picnic lunch and learn more about New Zealand and farm life in Paradise. The baking is pretty good too................"

Marijke: "What’s new this season?"

You: "We have changed our brand name to Private Discovery Tours......it was a logical move many of our guests are family groups and couples who are pleased to realise that they are essentially  on a Private Tour to an exclusive destination. Our attention to detail makes a difference, you get that with smaller operators and everyone has such a great time."


Contact details:Name business: Private Discovery Tours (operated by RD Tours)
Website address: http://www.rdtours.co.nz/
Email: info@rdtours.co.nz
Contact person:Charles or Belinda
Phone: +64 3 442 2299

An interview with Queenstown Wine Trail

Interview with Heather McDonald from Queenstown Wine Trail

Marijke: "Could you tell me about your Queenstown Wine Trail?"

Heather: "We have tours departing every day and offer several wine tour options such as tours with or out lunch visiting from 2 – 5 wineries. We can also take guests privately.
Our wine tours are a fun and informative day out visiting a variety of wineries in the Queenstown area. Tours are highly personalised with a wine trail guide introducing you to vineyard personal along the trail. Pinot Noir is the favourite in this area but also watch out for the stunning pinot gris and reislings with rising popularity."

Marijke: "What do your customers particularly enjoy about the experience?"
Heather: "The Wine!!! Customers have pre paid their tour and are able to sit back and be driven whilst sampling a range of top quality wines. They may get to try varieties which are knew to them, be updated on the latest wine chat or just simply relax and enjoy the scenic tour through the wine country."

Marijke: "What’s new this season?"
Heather: "This year we have looked hard at what our customers are wanting and have found a need to offer a  late departure tour, the Private Wine Tour as well as offering our daily tours as we always have. Our Private Twilight Wine Tour allows exclusivity and flexibility for guests wanting to get the most out of their food and wine experience."

Contact details:
Queenstown Wine Trail Ltd
Including Queenstown Garden Tour & Designer Days
Contact person: Heather McDonald
PO Box 733
Queenstown 9348, New Zealand
New Phone Number:  +64 3 441 3990
New Fax Number: +64 3 441 3191
Email:  info@queenstownwinetrail.co.nz
NEW! Website: http://www.queenstownwinetrail.co.nz/

An interview with Mount Nicholas Lodge, Queenstown

Interview with Bruce Collins, Mt Nicholas Lodge, Queenstown

Marijke: "Bruce, could you tell me a bit about Mt Nicholas Lodge?"

Bruce: "Set against a spectacular backdrop of rugged mountains, Mt Nicholas Lodge offers guests authentic, humble luxury & the opportunity to experience life on a NZ High Country Station. Whether guests are looking for a secluded private destination in which to relax or are keen to experience the NZ outdoors, Mt Nicholas lodge provides an unparalleled environment."

Marijke: "What do your guests particularly enjoy about the experience?"

Bruce: "The personal hosting, the food & the spectacular peaceful surroundings."

Marijke: "What's new this season?"

Bruce: "There are some exciting new developments in the pipeline and we will let you know about those in the near future! We are very conscious of maintaining the very high standards we set ourselves to exceed..."


Contact details:

Mount Nicholas Lodge
Contact person: Bruce Collins
http://www.mtnicholaslodge.co.nz/
info@mtnicholaslodge.co.nz

An interview with Guided Walks New Zealand - Queenstown

Interview with Pete from Guided Walks New Zealand

Marijke: "Could you tell me a bit about Guided Walks New Zealand?"

Pete: "Sure, We are the oldest guiding business in New Zealand, dating back to 1868.
We pride ourselves on being flexible, and offering our clients the guiding experiences that they want and not trying to sell them something along the lines of  mass tourism."

Marijke: What do your customers particularly enjoy about the experience?

Pete: "Our clients really enjoy the one on one experience we offer. By joining our trips of one guide to six guests max, or taking our privately guided option.
Our clients have given us great feedback on Trip Advisor, and we have learnt that they really love the the fact that our guides are so knowledgeable."

Marijke: "What’s new this season?"

Pete: "Well! We're really excited about our new product YOU vs WILD (Interactive Survival Experience), based on the ever popular T.V. series MAN vs WILD staring Bear Grylls. This has been and still is great success, with C&I groups, FIT's. And now childrens birthday parties which we never even thought of. 

With the runaway success of our new product and after listening to our clients and concierges in and around Queenstown, the feedback we received was, "I'd love to do it again, where else can you take me".  We  needed to think and act quickly. So after talks with a local helicopter company, Karyn and I spent the day today, flying by chopper deep into a valley on the other side of Lake Wakatipu (the Breathing Lake), where we dropped in on wilderness for a reconnaissance trip, and found an amazing valley that's perfect for another take on this trip. I think that we'll call it YOU vs WILD/ Drop Zone. We'd really like you to be involved yet again, by giving us a few ideas for the name of this  new version, by writing to us on this blog."


Contact details:Name business: Guided Nature Walks
Website address: http://www.nzwalks.com/ & http://www.snowshoeing.co.nz/
Email: info@nzwalks.com
Contact person: Pete & Karyn

An interview with Mount Cook Ski Planes / Helicopters

Interview with Richard Royds from Mount Cook Ski Planes / Helicopters

Marijke: "Could you tell me about Mount Cook Ski Planes and Helicopters?"

Richard:  "We offer a unique opportunity for our customers to set foot on the Tasman Glacier, the longest glacier in the southern hemisphere, and before scenic flights inaccessible to all but the best climbers.  We fly from Mount Cook Airport up the Tasman Valley offering spectacular views of the Tasman Terminal Lake, Aoraki/Mount Cook, The Hochstetter Icefall and other dramatic points of scenic interest, before landing by Ski Plane or Helicopter on the Tasman Glacier.  After the landing the passengers are able to alight on the snow and enjoy fabulous scenery and pristine snow in the midst of the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and World Heritage Area.  The return flight follows a route closer to the superb sites below the Aoraki/Mount Cook summit including the formidable Caroline Face and the Ball Glacier."

Marijke: "What do your customers particularly enjoy about the experience?"

Richard: "In the Ski Plane the passengers enjoy a flight and landing in a type almost unknown outside our area, and worldwide we believe we are the only company to offer the experience year round.  The landing itself is quite spectacular, often so smooth the passengers are not sure they have landed until the aircraft comes to a stop.  The pilot stops the engine before disembarking the passengers on to the snow, so they can experience the magical “natural quiet” of the mountains.  For some it is the first time in their lives they have experienced total quiet.

In the Helicopter the passengers experience the thrill of the unique helicopter characteristics, following the same flight path as the ski planes, and landing at the same or similar sites.  While the engine is usually kept running the experience is also superb, and our passengers almost always say their flight is the high point of their visit to New Zealand."

Marijke: "What’s new this season?"

Richard:  "For this season we have a range of optional flights to provide more flexibility to our passengers while giving the same spectacular experience, and for returning passengers the mountains are always changing with snow pack and conditions never the same on consecutive days or years."

Contact details:Name business:     Aoraki Mount Cook Ski Planes Ltd
Website address:   http://www.mtcookskiplanes.com/
Email:  info@mtcookskiplanes.com
Contact person:    Trish or Anne
Phone: +64 430 8034

An interview with Trail Journeys, Alexandra, Central Otago

Interview Neville Grubb of Trail Journeys

Marijke: "Could you tell me about Trail Journeys?"
Nev: "We offer all the services associated with cycling on the Otago Central Railtrail including hiring bikes, arranging accommodation and all transport option."

Marijke: "What do your customers particulary enjoy about the experience?" 
Nev: "The friendliness of the people on the trail, scenery , safety, socialising and history."

Marijke: "What's new this season?" 

Nev: "We have started a new transport service linking Queenstown and Dunedin daily using our shuttles and the Taieri Gorge Excursion Train."

 

Contact details:

Name business: Trail Journeys

Website address: www.trailjourneys.co.nz

Email: info@trailjourneys.co.nz

Contact person: Shayne O’Connor

Flickr link to photos : http://nev1.dphoto.com/#/album/e3b38g/  Use P/Word 1234 to access.

An interview with Birds Ferry Lodge - Punakaiki/Westport, West Coast, NZ

Interview with Alison Gygax of Birds Ferry Lodge 

Marijke: "Could you tell me in a few sentences a bit about Birds Ferry Lodge?"

Alison: "We, Andre and I, have been hosting guests at Birds Ferry Lodge since 2004. We offer exceptional levels of comfort and customer service in a unique and wild environment here on the West Coast of the South Island. Our extensive property is a haven for wildlife including Kiwi and an extensive range of fresh fruit vegetables and herbs are all gown here for the Lodge kitchen."

Marijke: "What do your customers particularly enjoy about the experience?"

Alison: "Gosh hard to know where to start! Once they arrive at the end of our 1.7KM unsealed driveway they are sometimes a little bemused! But as soon as they step from their vehicle they realise why we are here! 360 degree bush, mountain and sea views are breathtaking. A warm welcome from the us as well as Mick and Merlot the terriers . Super comfy beds and peaceful nights sleeps. All butter shortbread.....and that brings me to the food.

I cook from the heart and it shows – we love to showcase the fresh produce grown here – Asparagus  in spring for example and West Coast Goat Cheese, Turbot and Whitebait to name a few house specialities. Menus as posted daily on our blog. Andre always gets the maps out after breakfast and assists guests with their itinerary planning – suggesting places and activities they would be unlikely to find in a regular guide book! His 20+ years experience as a South Island Guide really shows.

To summarise – Home comforts, great hosting and exceptional food............."

Marijke: "What’s new this season?"

Alison: "We are proud to maintain our Number one on Trip Advisor Ranking since 2009. Quail eggs now on the Menu as we have our own Quail on site."

Contact details:

Birds Ferry Lodge and Ferry Mans Cottage

Website address: http://www.birdsferrylodge.co.nz/

Email: info@birdsferrylodge.co.nz

Contact persons: Alison & Andre Gygax

Flickr link to photos ): http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdsferrylodge/

Office Phone 03 429 1604

Check Availability or Make a Booking here

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Summer has arrived!

Hi and welcome to the Smartourism Marketing Blog. We are a group of owner-operated tourism businesses in the South Island of New Zealand. Our aim is to jointly market our businesses internationally.
Smartourism was set up in 2005 by Marijke Dunselman.

We have just registered for TRENZ 2012 and the majority of the operators in the group will be represented. It will be held in Queenstown again, after a successful TRENZ last year!

This blog will keep you updated on what's new with our members' businesses. Do sign up for updates (in the right hand column). We look forward to working with you!

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us: marijke@smartourism.co.nz or go to http://www.smartourism.co.nz/