...a truly stunning New Zealand experience...

Written by Kim Wicksteed
Monday, 28 September 2009 13:48

Dear Hollyford Track

My wife and I have just enjoyed a truly stunning New Zealand experience and I feel compelled to write and congratulate your team.

Without doubt the Hollyford has some of the most breathless scenery in the world and the variation of flora and fauna is quite extraordinary. However, this note is more about our experience with your people.

From the very comprehensive and inclusive pre-walk briefing in Queenstown through to the return coach trip, we experienced faultless attention from a dedicated group who obviously love their environment and their work.

Our guides, able lead by Phil and assisted by Blair, anchored the tour with a great repartee between them. Central to their insightful commentary was the ability to tell stories, weaving the characters of the area into the facts and local information and producing some gripping yarns that often had all twelve guests delving for more.

Storytelling, without doubt, the great art of tourism marketing.

And then, after the long walks, came the impressive lodges. How Michelle and 'Fly' at Pyke Lodge and Tracey and Bob at Martins Bay Lodge manage to greet every guest as though they are the first they have seen in months (rather than two nights) I will never know. Then there's the food, wonderfully prepared and presented along with their convivial company.

I am a former CEO of Saatchi, an independent marketing consultant and a trustee of Positively Wellington Tourism so to have a product so well presented was a real thrill.

There were six Kiwi and six international guests on our walk. Your people on the Hollyford Track made us very proud New Zealanders.

Thank you.

Sincerely
Kim Wicksteed

cc. George Hickton, CEO, Tourism New Zealand