Central Otago-based business takes unique travel experiences to the next level
Central Otago travel business Active Travel Company is now 100% owned by local travel identities Ross and Petrea McRobie, who recently purchased the remaining shares from their former business partner.
Formerly part-owners, they have committed to take the business to the next level and sit alongside their recently-opened bike hire and retail store ‘Bike It Now!’, based in Clyde.
Manager Petrea McRobie said the recent purchase of shares had enabled the business to become more streamlined, and the skill sets of two new team members had substantially increased the level of expertise the company offers travel agents and their clients.
Active Travel Company is a wholesale leisure and adventure tour operator to Asia, Africa, Borneo, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia, Russia, India and Nepal. They focus on providing unique experiences and are developing unique itineraries to exciting places.
It has a range of holidays from trekking, cycling and walking expeditions as well as more leisurely touring options. Mrs McRobie said all their tours and those of their partners aimed to provide the perfect mix of ‘must do’s’ and off-the-beaten track experiences.
Mrs McRobie has a historical background in the travel industry and is active in the local travel scene. She is an avid cyclist and walker, with a passion for travel.
“As a team we’ve looked at ways to expand on our points of difference and have listened to feedback, so we’ve increased the quality of existing products, with a focus on offering people active engagement with communities and people in the countries they’re visiting,” she said.
“We’re also an industry leader in providing innovative solutions to Central Otago Rail Trail experiences, from beginning to end.”
Active Travel Company is a partner in the Queenstown Trail, the Clutha Gold Trail and the Alps2Ocean Trail. Self-guided Rail Trail tours include four days cycling the trail from Clyde to Middlemarch, staying in gold mining towns with additional side-trips to visit interesting sites off the trail, like St Bathans, Ranfurly and Naseby.
“The Supported Tours are also very popular, led by local experts in groups of 10 from January to April when the weather is warmer, taking in Central Otago’s historic sites, natural beauty and the gastronomic delights and wines of the region,” said Mrs McRobie.
“Art tours and luxury packages are a new addition to our Central Otago itineraries.”
Active Travel Company is the only Bonded Member of the Travel Agents Association of New Zealand (TAANZ) operating on the Otago Central Rail Trail, giving clients peace of mind.
Mrs McRobie said that as well as a passion for travel, the Active Travel team shared a love of the Central Otago area and lifestyle.
“We’re really privileged to operate our business as a family, with skilled, experienced and energetic members,” she said.
“Our team of Natasha Sinclair, Kim Driscoll and Deirdre Hall, as well as our tour hosts and guides, are the life and soul of the business.”
Kim has worked in wholesale and retail travel for more than 13 years. She has a real passion for history, culture and adventure and is a popular tour host due to her knowledge, great sense of humour and practical can-do attitude.
Originally from Dublin, Deirdre has worked in the travel industry in London and New Zealand. One of her most memorable trips was travelling overland from London to Harare through West and East Africa and then living and working in Southern Africa.
Natasha has been with Active Travel Company for nearly seven years, so is a familiar face in the office. She has an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of all destinations and tours, knows who to contact for those ‘curly’ requests, and recently spent time in South Africa, Botswana and Zambia.
“We also have a great team of tour hosts including Heidi Morris of Wanaka, Ngaire Graham of Christchurch and Ivan Fahey of Cromwell, who lead, encourage and share many laughs with our tour groups both in New Zealand and overseas,” said Mrs McRobie.