23 June 2009
Frontline Travel Sellers from Flight Centre Canada were brought
to New Zealand for training in May 2009 to experience the New
Zealand products they sell.
The group started their famil in Christchurch where they were
met by Johnston's Coachlines who provided the transport and
commentary in the South Island. The first activity was a behind the
scenes Kiwi Tour at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve where visitors can
get close to New Zealand's national icon, the Kiwi. The afternoon
was spent at the International Antarctic Centre, followed by an
evening at SOL Square (South of Lichfield).
En route to the Southern Alps, the group stopped at Alpine
Springs, Spa and Winter Park in Tekapo where visitors can soak in
hot pools, have a spa treatment, or go ice-skating for the more
energetic. Aoraki Mt Cook is New Zealand's tallest mountain and
located in the Southern Alps. The village of Aoraki Mt Cook is also
home to the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre which showcases the region
and it's people.
Queenstown was the next stop, with a lunch and tastings at
Gibbston Valley Winery, a bungy jump at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy
and a cruise on Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak
High Country Farm.
The group were treated to a day trip to the magnificent Milford
Sound with Red Boats. They saw glacier scarred rock walls that rise
1,200 metres vertically from the sea and waterfalls that tumble
from hanging valleys and crash into the Sound far below as well as
the wonders of Mitre Peak.
More Queenstown activities followed, with Shotover Jet; the
world's most exciting jet boat ride, and Nomad Safaris "Best 4 x 4
by far tour".
The group then flew back to Auckland and got a 360 degree view
of New Zealand's largest city from the Sky Tower. They also
experienced Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World where visitors have
the opportunity to see penguins, stingrays and swimming with
sharks. They spent the afternoon sampling wine at some of the best
vineyards on Waiheke Island, an island in the Hauraki Gulf, just 30
minutes from Auckland by ferry.
Lastly, the group were able to enjoy a coffee cruise on Pride of
Auckland, a fleet of purpose built sailboats on the sparkling
waters of Auckland Harbour.