We’re kicking off the new year with our January product update, spotlighting the latest news from across New Zealand and Australia. From newly launched tours to refreshed experiences and exciting developments, there’s plenty for agents to keep on their radar this month.
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1. Australian Luxury Escapes
Australian Luxury Escapes is a family‑owned Australian tour operator with 30+ years’ experience delivering curated private and small group touring experiences around Australia. Their focus is on luxury, personalised touring that goes beyond standard coach tours — including food and wine, wildlife, adventure, Indigenous cultural experiences, and premium access to Australia’s iconic destinations.
Why Recommend Australian Luxury Escapes to Your Clients?
- Private Touring: Tailored private tours throughout Australia, perfect for couples, friends or families who want exclusivity and flexibility.
- Small Group Tours: Small‑group departures (typically no more than eight guests) with knowledgeable, local guides.
- World‑Class Experiences: A range of themed experiences covering food & wine, wilderness & wildlife, coastal escapes, urban highlights and off‑the‑beaten‑path adventures across NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC and WA.
- Custom Itineraries: Bespoke touring — meaning you can tailor the route, duration and style to your client’s interests and pace.
What’s New This Season
- Seasonal Highlights & Itineraries:
- 9‑day Cape York Adventure: Remote, scenic drives with cultural insights and wildlife encounters.
- Private Blue Mountains & Cultural Experiences: Intimate tours of iconic landscapes, Aboriginal heritage, and boutique dining. Designed for clients seeking immersive, off-the-beaten-track experiences.
2. The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp
Located at the gateway to New Zealand’s Southwest World Heritage Area, The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp is a unique wilderness accommodation and adventure provider just 40 minutes from Queenstown. It blends mountaineer hut-style stays and communal spaces with guided adventures, food experiences and nature-driven workshops.
Why Recommend The Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp to Your Clients?
- A standout choice for clients looking for authentic NZ wilderness stays, set in one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes.
- Perfect for a wide range of guests, from solo adventurers and couples to families and groups – with cabins, huts and shared spaces.
- Extraordinary, guided experiences — private hikes, heli trips, glamping, fireside dining and more — that go beyond standard accommodation.
- A relaxed, social mountain-base vibe with wood-fired restaurant, sauna and community-centric ambience.
What’s New This Season
- New Epic Hikes & Adventures: Fresh guided hiking options have recently been introduced — including multi-day remote wilderness hikes with helicopter access — ideal for adventure-driven clients wanting off-the-beaten-track experiences.
- Seasonal Snow & Ski Experiences: From family snow camps with alpine skill sessions to multi-day ski tour expeditions, winter adventures are a highlight this season.
- Expanded Adventure Range: All-season hikes, corporate/team packages and bespoke private experiences mean you can tailor the Base Camp offering to diverse traveller interests.
3. Willowbank Tourism Group
These three Christchurch experiences — the International Antarctic Centre, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, and Waka on Avon — form an engaging trio of attractions combining immersive Antarctic-themed discovery, wildlife encounters, and cultural river experiences.
Why Recommend to Your Clients?
- International Antarctic Centre: A must-visit for families and curious travellers – this centre brings Antarctica to life with real snow, an indoor storm, penguin encounters, Hägglund rides, 4D theatre, husky zone, and immersive exhibits.
- Willowbank Wildlife Reserve: Offers close-up animal encounters, guaranteed kiwi viewing, lemurs, otters, and shows – a fantastic conservation-focused wildlife park perfect for all ages.
- Waka on Avon: Adds a cultural dimension with guided traditional waka (canoe) paddling on the Ōtākaro Avon River — great for clients looking to connect with Māori heritage experiences.
- Combined, these experiences give travellers a blend of nature, culture, education and fun in one easy Christchurch catchment.
What’s New This Season
- Bundle & Save Packages: New combined ticket options allow travellers to save and flexibly visit both the International Antarctic Centre and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve within a month — perfect for pre/post South Island itineraries.
- Behind-the-Scenes Experiences: Extended experiences such as Penguin Backstage tours and guided Antarctic tours add depth and storytelling to the visitor experience.
- Seasonal Events & Engagements: Regularly scheduled events, educational programmes and seasonal activities make repeat visits and longer stays appealing.
4. Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari
Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is one of New Zealand’s most extensive predator-fenced ecological sanctuaries, protecting ancient forest and endangered native wildlife. It’s a living conservation project where visitors can explore lush bush, spot rare species and learn about biodiversity and restoration.
Why Recommend Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari to Your Clients?
- Offers authentic NZ nature immersion — clients can walk through pristine native forest and see species such as kiwi, takahē, tuatara and kākā thriving in a predator-free environment.
- Great for nature lovers, families, eco-travellers and school groups interested in New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna.
- Multiple ways to experience the sanctuary — guided tours, self-guided hikes, night tours and educational walks — catering to a range of interests and fitness levels.
- As a not-for-profit conservation project, visiting directly supports vital wildlife protection work.
What’s New This Season
- Moa Hunter Cultural Tour: A newly highlighted interactive cultural experience where guests can learn traditional bush lore led by a mana whenua guide — a fantastic value-add storytelling opportunity.
- Biodiversity Credits Programme: A pioneering initiative launched at the sanctuary, allowing organisations to support verified conservation outcomes — a great sustainability talking point for eco-focused clients.
- Wildlife Highlights: Historic natural milestones (like kākāpō booming on the mountain) continue to reinforce the sanctuary’s success in endangered species conservation — a powerful narrative for agents to share.
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