Ziptrek Ecotours– a company climbing as fast and high as they 'Zip' down
In over just two years of operation, fledgling company Ziptrek Ecotours is fast becoming a rising star.
From the epic heights of Bob’s Peak in the forest canopy above Queenstown, the company’s success has been rising faster than its guests descending on their thrilling network of ziplines.
Not only has Ziptrek built impressive treehouses and ziplines for the ‘Moa 4-Line Tour’, with which the company launched, but in a short space of time has upgraded the fantastic ‘Tiki Trail’ walking track, planted over 2000 native seedlings, built successive ziplines to offer the ‘Kea 6-Line Tour’ incorporating the steepest tree-to-tree zipline in the world, and hosted international media and personalities.
The spectacular and exhilarating Moa and Kea tours are two very different and unique products, offering accessibility to all ages and abilities. The Moa is the perfect tour for the less adventurous guests, while the Kea is faster and longer, with a rush that appeal to those looking for a bit more of an adrenalin kick.
Along the way, the company has picked up some prestigious eco awards. In 2010 it won the Chamber of Commerce Sustainable Business Award, in 2011 it won a Fairfax Media Sustainable 60 Award and also achieved the much sought after Qualmark Enviro Gold standard. So not only are Ziptrek eco-friendly, but customers love them, and here’s why.
The location is fantastic. In the forest directly above the centre of Queenstown the views are stunning. Access is simple and relaxing via the Skyline Gondola, whilst the journey itself takes you on gravity fed ziplines with launches and landings on incredibly cool tree houses, beautifully constructed within the canopy. Nestled within a mixture of tall Douglas Firs and native beech forest, Ziptrek is sheltered and is able to run in all weathers, all year round. It’s exhilarating; true adventure with the emphasis on fun for all, not just for those craving the adrenalin rush.
General Manager Stu Cordelle goes further, however. He reckons the magic of Ziptrek is the magic of the forest canopy itself.
“Operating within the forest canopy has a particular feel about it, and many of our customers are coming into this environment for the first time.
“Not only do they have the thrill and exhilaration of the ziplines, but they’re also introduced to the native beech forest and what we’re doing with our regeneration projects. The feedback is awesome.”
Evident in that feedback is the quality of the guides themselves, getting just the right balance between fun, humour, and the message of sustainability.
Along with its parent company based in Whistler, Canada, Ziptrek Ecotours in Queenstown is going from strength to strength – not only successfully growing its daily visitor numbers, but also developing team-building programmes for local and international incentive-orientated businesses.
Clearly Ziptrek Ecotours is gaining an international reputation as a tourism operator to watch.
More about Ziptrek Ecotours
Ziptrek Ecotours is a must-do, award-winning adventure ecotourism business renowned for delivering awareness and appreciation of the natural environment along with a good dose of adventure.
Ziptrek was founded in 2001 in Whistler, Canada by Charles Steele and David Udow. Their goal was to provide a unique experience combining nature-based learning with a rush of adrenaline. In December 2009 Trent Yeo, a former Ziptrek Whistler employee committed to a partnership to open the first global Ziptrek operation in Queenstown, New Zealand. His background in sustainable architecture with outdoor education was a perfect fit for the business. Due to its success and growth Ziptrek appointed Stu Cordelle 15 months later as General Manager to assist with the day to day running of the operation. Stu bought a wealth of knowledge to the business having been involved in a number of leading tourism operations in New Zealand.
When the business was first established on Bobs Peak they launched the four line Moa tour. This tour incorporated four flying foxes/ziplines through the forest canopy connecting aerial treetop platforms (tree houses) that descended one third of the way down the mountain. In November 2010, Ziptrek launched the Kea 6 line Tour which saw guests travelling all the way to the bottom of the mountain, including a beautiful walk through native beech forest. This tour can now claim the steepest tree to tree zipline ride in the world.
Ziptrek's eco-credentials are rapidly developing momentum and within 18 months of opening they won the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce Sustainable Business Award and received the Qualmark Enviro Gold award. Most recently they won the Fairfax Media Sustainable 60 Award for Marketplace. They also work closely with the local community and are a patron of the Wakatipu Trails Trust, in partnership with the Queenstown Lakes Biodiesel Consortium and working with Otago Polytechnic on their Sustainable 360 business program.
Since launching, Ziptrek Ecotours has caught the attention of global television and print media putting them in front of millions of people across countries such as Australia, UK, Brazil, New Zealand, Canada and USA.
Stay tuned to the conversation via social media on www.ziptrek.com/queenstown-new-zealand.