Home » News » TravelManagers agents enjoy action packed famil in Hurunui and Kaikōura (NZ)

22 November, 2023

TravelManagers agents enjoy action packed famil in Hurunui and Kaikōura (NZ)

A group of personal travel managers (PTMs) have enjoyed a famil to the world-class wineries and divine therapeutic hot springs of Hurunui and Kaikōura thanks to TravelManagers.

Also known for incredible food experiences as well as unforgettable animal cultures, the region is one of the lesser-known, but most memorable parts of New Zealand.

For Andrea Friend, who is based in Cranbourne East, VIC, it was her first visit to the area, and confirmed that it did not disappoint.

“Many people think that because New Zealand is quite a small country, it is easy to drive each day and still see everything, but this is definitely not the case,” she said.

“You could spend days in this part of the South Island and still not do everything that there is to offer. It’s full of amazing scenery, food, wine and wildlife – there really is something for everyone.”

The group travelled to the thermal spa town of Hanmer Springs via the Waipara Valley, which is one of the country’s emerging stars in the wine industry.

Day 2 included a thrilling jetboat ride on the Hurunui River (L-R) back row: TravelManagers’ Helen Rolton, Andrea Friend & Debbie Bean; middle row: Teresa Reyes, Maria San Pascual & Penny Treyvaud, Julia Hunt from Tourism Studio; front row: Ally Casey & Kirsty McKenzie. (Supplied)

The PTMs were also treated to an authentic South Island farming experience, which included a hands-on guided farm tour and a thrilling jet-boat ride on the Hurunui River before arriving in the coastal town of Kaikōura.

Kaikōura is renowned for its rich and diverse marine life; sandwiched between soaring, snow-capped mountains and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, the famil group were treated to a number of unforgettable opportunities, including the chance to swim with wild Dusky dolphins.

“For me, one of the most amazing experiences was in Kaikōura, lying in bed watching the sunrise across the ocean – it was spectacular,” Debbie Bean, a PTM from Victoria, said.

“The famil has opened my eyes to a region I hadn’t previously thought of recommending to my clients. I would love to travel there again as I feel I have only just scratched the surface.”

Originally from New Zealand but now based in Richmond, VIC, PTM Helen Rolton says the famil proved that New Zealand still offers plenty of surprises even for those who know the destination well.

“I visit New Zealand at least one a year, and every time I learn something new, meet new operators, try new gins and never tire of the scenery. My clients will be the beneficiaries of this latest famil, as I know they’ll love Hanmer’s Hot Springs, dinner at Kaikōura’s Hapuku Kitchen and jet boating on the Hurunui River.”

(L-R) TravelManagers’ Debbie Bean, Maria San Pascual, Julia Hunt from Tourism Studio, Teresa Reyes and Helen Rolton.

“I’m even more in awe of New Zealand every time I visit another area of this beautiful country,” PTMl Teresa Reyes, said.

“Our hosts, Destination Kaikōura, Visit Hurunui, Christchurch Airport and Tourism New Zealand, really know how to show off their country and were so proud in doing so. Every operator we met was dedicated to showing visitors what their beautiful country is all about.”

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Hurunui Kaikōura new zealand travel managers