The winning Aussie advisors of the ‘If You Seek’ famil incentive were wowed with a whirlwind week of cultural, culinary, luxe and active adventures in New Zealand, thanks to Tourism New Zealand, Air New Zealand and travel partners. Karryon went along for the ride to detail all the highlights on the jam-packed itinerary across the North and South Islands.
If you seek new experiences, New Zealand is full of surprises and easy to get around – something our advisors found out firsthand – whether it’s your first trip or your umpteenth visit to Aotearoa.
Travel & Cruise North East’s Alex Lee summed it up as “what New Zealand is all about – stunning vistas, outdoor activities, brilliant food and wine and friendly and welcoming locals.“
“Friends have already contacted me about planning a trip after seeing my photos, it’s an easy destination to sell after visiting!”
Here’s our Aussie agents’ highlights from the seven-night fam to Auckland, Tasman Nelson, Marlborough and Wellington.
Auckland
Basing themselves at The Britomart, a full-day trip to Waiheke Island was a hands-down highlight for all advisors, joining a global contingent from the US, UK, Europe and Asia.
From the deeply affecting pōwhiri (Māori welcoming ceremony) at Piritahi Marae to zip-lining at EcoZip Adventures and two (!) winery experiences at picturesque Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant and the uber-stylish Batch Winery, it was a full day that filled the agents’ cups in more ways than one.
“The traditional Māori welcome surprised me – specifically, how spiritual and emotional it was when we witnessed the ceremony and warm welcome,” said Linda Forster of TravLin Travel.
Alex agreed: “I really enjoyed the Māori culture aspect of the trip and learnt a lot from the traditional welcome pōwhiri we were lucky to experience, something I did not know much about before this visit.”
Tasman Nelson
A short flight to Nelson in the South Island and the advisors were off on a guided scenic tour with Wine, Art & Wilderness of the artsy town that is home to the Pic’s peanut butter factory, the first-ever rugby match in New Zealand and many more fun facts.
Lunch was a lip-smacking success with individual tapas boards and delicious desserts paired with a matching wine flight at Forsters in Moutere Hills Winery – enjoyed outdoors near the vineyards.
“Lunch at Forsters was my favourite meal of the trip,” Linda said. “The bite-size samples of different food and dessert – wow, it was to die for. An incredible meal!”
The advisors were then wowed by the innovative four-level Gravity Winery where winemaker Brett Bermingham was on hand for a guided tour and generous Pinot Noir pours straight from the barrel.
After an overnight stay at Awaroa Lodge eco-luxe accommodation, a drizzly morning did not dampen the excitement for an ocean-kayaking adventure with Abel Tasman Kayaks in the Tonga Island Marine Reserve. Agents all agreed this was an extra-special experience in nature.
“As a lover of all things outdoors, kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park was a great experience,” Alex said. “The pouring rain did not dampen spirits and it was memorable seeing the seal pups up close from the kayak.”
Marlborough
The group then moved onto the Marlborough region, boarding a Beachcomber Cruises boat ride from Picton into Queen Charlotte Sound en route to the family-owned Arapawa Blue Pearls farm.
Then it was onto what Marlborough is most famous for – wine, and Sauv Blanc in particular. We toured two cellar doors with Sounds Connection – and even squeezed in a quick visit to Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre with exhibits by Wētā Workshop and Makana Chocolate Factory.
Wellington
After a short half-hour flight from Blenheim, the Aussie agents touched down back on the North Island in Wellington, New Zealand’s effortlessly cool capital.
Wētā Cave was another highlight of the award-winning film effects company that has contributed to the likes of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and countless other beloved movies.
Some agents nerded out more than others on the Wētā Workshop Experience (ahem, Laura) however everyone enjoyed the highly engaging guided tour that strips back the makeup and special effects that make movie magic.
“I think I may have already talked everyone’s ears off about this but I’m a passionate Lord of the Rings fan and I’ve wanted to go to Wētā Workshop for years,” Holiday Wonders Travel Consultant Laura Bacuriski said.
Agents were also immersed in Māori culture with a guided tour at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, lunch at Karaka Café and dinner at the exclusive Hiakai restaurant for a multi-course degustation with paired wines – a sublime culinary experience that left a lasting impression.
“The food was so thoughtfully presented and prepared and the gastronomic experience of the food, the wine pairings and the presentation by our host, George, was a 5-star experience,” Laura said.
Become a 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist
“I highly recommend becoming a Gold Specialist,” Linda added. “Tourism New Zealand really looks after you and the support and the knowledge gained are wonderful.”
“Tourism New Zealand has a fantastic trade platform, which is easy to navigate and access marketing tools. The ‘search for a specialist’ feature on its consumer site is also a winner and showcases Tourism New Zealand’s belief in agents’ expertise – not many other tourism bodies provide the same support.”
Inspired to seek more info about New Zealand holidays? Sign up here to upskill your Aotearoa know-how with the New Zealand travel trade newsletter and register for the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme here to become a New Zealand expert.
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