NOTE: these videos are for the tourism trade only. If you need the password to this page, please email marijke@smartourism.co.nz

Thanks!

The retail and nett rates to 2026 are now on the Rates to 2026 Page. If you are an inbound tour operator and require the password to the Rates Page, please email marijke@smartourism.co.nz.

If you have any questions or require high resolution images, let me know.

News from Cabot Lodge - Te Anau - Fiordland

Lots of news from Breidi!

• We are renovating our Two Bedroom Suite into a third Deluxe Suite (launching October 1, 2024), thus the Lodge will be able to accommodate a total of eight guests.
• New treatment room for guests to be pampered by our wonderful masseuse.
• We are developing a new two-bedroom self-contained villa on the property which will launch mid-year 2025. The villa will be all-inclusive, with our chef preparing all meals for guests to enjoy in the villa independently of other Lodge guests. Rates and imagery will be provided during the 2024 Winter period. Between the Lodge and Villa, we will therefore be able to accommodate a total of 12 guests. 

For more info on Cabot Lodge, click here.

News from Beau Rapley Guiding - Queenstown

This summer has been epic with massive support from the industry ITO’s. There have been some stand-out favourite tours.

My fully supported and guided e-bike tour departing from Arrowtown have been a huge success with the clients loving the e-bike ride. This ride is not all about the riding. As their guide I also spend a lot of time with classic photo stops, discussing the history of the region form its mining roots in the 1860's to interesting facts about the local flora and fauna. Take this with a beautiful lunch at a winery followed by a private wine tasting. In addition to having me as a guide, we have a support vehicle following the duration of the day should people want a break from riding/ take a snack time or just simply sit in the wilderness shooting the breeze with their guides.

Equally as popular are my guided hiking trips. Whether it be a short 2-hour walk or full day Routeburn, the feedback I am getting is so encouraging. Genuine kiwi hospitality with a beautiful lunch (full day hike only) and a cup of Kawakawa tea in the wilderness. Both Felix (our new guide this season - see pic above) and I love leading these hikes. Just yesterday Felix spotted a Morepork Owl on the Routeburn hike, this just adds to the list of native birds we have been able to spot for guests this season, including the rare Whio (Blue Duck).

I managed to get my first real day off this past Sunday where Jock, my black lab and I headed into the mountains for my first fly fishing trip for the season (see pic above). 

It's been an absolute pleasure guiding so many fantastic clients in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Click here for more info on Beau Rapley Guiding, Queenstown. 

News from Glencree Estate - Kaikoura

Have your clients stayed at Glencree Estate near Kaikoura yet? If not, it's definitely worth checking out; its stunning location on a working farm in a private location - two beautiful attached cottages - overlooking the rugged mountains on one side, and the ocean on the other.

The dinners that Louise and team provide are delicious, made of local ingredients. 

Relax in the spa pool after a day of activities on the farm (walks, farm tour) or in nearby Kaikoura (whale watching, swim with dolphins, a new Zipline and more).

Recently, they planted 1,000 native trees - see the two photos on the right above: then planting team and... the results. This will be great to increase the number of stunning walks on the farm.

For more info on Glencree, click here.

News from Haast River Safari - groups returning to the wild West Coast

Myreen reports that groups are increasingly returning to the West Coast and are including this fantastic jetboat trip on the Haast River in the World Heritage National Park. It's such a great product where people are dropped off at one end, experience the trip, and get picked up by their coach at the other end. 

Click here for more info on Haast River Safari. 

News from Pure Glenorchy Scenic Lord of the Rings Tours

Kate reports that they're experiencing a bumper season with the strongest bookings on record! It's no wonder, as this fantastic tour is the number 1 Lord of the Rings tour in Queenstown.

Click here for more info on Pure Glenorchy Lord of the Rings Tours.

News from High Country Horses - new ride: "Paradise Cinematic Trail"

High Country Horses is delighted to announce the return of our most requested and popular scenic day ride EVER! 

The “Paradise Cinematic Trail” is a beginner friendly 1.5 hour scenic trail, taking clients on an exclusive guided trail through the stunning Paradise valley – the world-renowned filming location for some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters, including Lord of the Rings and Hobbit (Isengard, Lothlorien forest, Bormir’s death, Beorns hut, aerial shots of two towers and return of the king, etc) as well as The Chronicles of Narnia, Wolverine Origins and Taylor Swifts “Out of the woods” music video, just to name a few.

Be awe-inspired by the mystical snow capped mountain ranges, enchanted forests and fantasy based landscapes that have inspired some of the biggest films and creatives made in New Zealand! High Country Horses have EXCLUSIVE horse riding rights through this iconic film location. 

Important information: 

• Walk pace only
• Beginner-friendly
• Includes transfers from our base in Glenorchy to Paradise (allow 30 mins each way)
• Weight limit 95 kg
• All clients must understand English or have a professional translator present for the entire duration of the activity (for safety purposes)
• Booking via website (API - registered agents only),
• All agent enquiries: info@highcountryhorses.nz

Check out: https://highcountryhorses.nz/paradise-cinematic/

Bookings can now be made directly via our website, selected agents and wholesalers are now welcome to book this ride in with commission available for you.

For more information on High Country Horses, click here. 

News from the Hump Ridge Track Guided Walk - Fiordland National Park (southern end)

As per Feb 2024, 60% of the track upgrade has been completed. This work is being carried out as part of the investment in the Hump Ridge Track by the Department of Conservation to becoming a Great Walk by the end of the year (2024). This has been delayed due to Covid, but it's finally happening!

I have personally done this track several times (along with my other Great Walks), and to be honest, this is my favourite due to the remoteness and diversity of landscape.

The 3-day guided walk is an unforgettable experience, walking the stunning track, staying in the comfortable lodges (exclusive use) and fantastic food. And.. fully commissionable for agents.

Click here for more info on the Hump Ridge Track.

News from Ulva's Guided Walks - Stewart Island

Ulva's Guided Walks has been going from strength to strength over the past 20 years. Kiwi Spotting has been very popular as we have exclusive access to the Mamaku Point Recreation Reserve, which is a short drive from Oban, Stewart Island's only village. Small groups and highly experienced and passionate guides will accompany your clients on this unique tour. Combine with a half day Ulva Island Guided Walk and see the best of what Stewart Island has to offer with its most experienced guiding company. (above: Ulva's new brochure and a pic of the Stewart Island Brown Kiwi)

Click here for more info on Ulva's Guided Walks.

News from Dunluce Boutique B&B Te Anau

Did you know that the lovely Dunluce host & owner Hannah Gray is also a very accomplished artist? Her and one of her team's work can be admired in the accommodation. How nice is that!

For more info on Dunluce Boutique B&B Te Anau, click here.

News from the Wilderness Lodges (Arthur's Pass & Lake Moeraki)

At Wilderness Lodge Arthur’s Pass, we have welcomed a summer of great weather, perfect for our guests to get out and explore the Southern Alps. Lake kayaking, mountain hikes and guided nature discovery has kept everyone busy. Regular rain (often just at night!) has kept the Wilderness Lodge farm looking lush and helped our lambs grow well. Our lambs will soon make the journey to other farms and the ewes (female sheep) will take a well-earned break from mothering duties.

The Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki nature guides have been guiding daily seacoast hikes on magnificent wild beaches. The return of El Nino has accumulated extra sand on the shore and made for a fantastic wilderness seacoast hikes, search for wave-polished jade, spot dolphins and experience a coastline where few feet have stepped. An unusual visitor has also taken up residence in Lake Moeraki. A kekeno/New Zealand fur seal is happily living in the lakes fresh water, catching brown trout and putting on great displays of aquatic gymnastics for guests kayaking.

For more info on the Wilderness Lodges, click here. 

News from Kepler Mountain View Alpacas & Cottage - Manapouri: Babies, babies, babies!

Jessie, Ray and team from Kepler Mountain Views Alpacas are currently keeping busy with international visitors and are in the middle of the births of baby alpacas (called cria). Visitors mainly from Europe and Asia are loving this agritourism experience with the alpaca tours and on-farm accommodation and the season has been strong. They also work closely with the clients from Cabot Lodge, who are located nearby.

For more info on Kepler Mountain View Alpacas, click here.

News from Family Adventures Rafting - Queenstown

And last but not least, a little update from Family Adventures. Simon tells me that they've had their strongest December on record, which is fantastic! Being the only rafting company company in Queenstown that takes kids from the age of 3 years old, it's no wonder that this is a favourite half day activity on the beautiful Shotover River for families that want a special and exciting experience! (the adults love it too!)

For more info on Family Adventures, click here.

Agent rates to 2025 are now available on the Rates Page. If you require a password for this page, please email Marijke: marijke@smartourism.co.nz

If you have any questions or require images, let me know. 

Kind regards, Marijke