InterCity Group, which provides national tourism and transport infrastructure in New Zealand through its InterCity and Newmans services, has purchased Kings Dolphin Cruises and Tours in…
InterCity Group, which provides national tourism and transport infrastructure in New Zealand through its InterCity and Newmans services, has purchased Kings Dolphin Cruises and Tours in Paihia effective from 1 October 2006.
Current owners Gary and Rio Crapper will remain on the management team and continue to be responsible for the day-to-day management and continued growth of the business.
“We are excited about the future opportunities InterCity Group will bring to the company and the local community. We’re also delighted that we will be able to play a part in the next phase of Kings’ growth and know that our past experience will contribute to the overall success of the venture,” said Gary Crapper.
InterCity Group chief executive, Malcolm Johns, says that Kings is complementary to InterCity’s existing business.
“InterCity Group already runs four services a day between Auckland and Paihia and an additional Newmans tourist services commencing on 1 Oct 06 will boost our capacity to as much as 600 seats a day in peak months. Kings is a natural fit for us, we are very excited about supporting the tourism industry in Northland and, in turn, Northland becoming more important to our business,” added Mr. Johns.
“InterCity operates a substantial domestic and international sales network with more than 500 outlets around New Zealand and sales people in various international markets, Kings will now have direct access to those networks and those sales people. Part of our goal is to highlight the experiences available in Northland to ensure that the likes of Kings Dolphin Cruises and Tours feature on tourists’ minds before and after they arrive in New Zealand. Dolphin watching and swimming are some of New Zealand’s most popular and real tourist experiences. Kings operates outstanding vessels and products offering unique, interactive experiences among some of our most magical, breath-taking scenery and sea-life and we’re confident we can make this offering even more successful on a sustainable basis,” concluded Mr. Johns.
From 1 October, Newmans Coach Lines will start operations to the Bay of Islands with a number of daily services including the full day sightseeing tour ex Auckland to the Bay of Islands.
The Newmans full day sightseeing tour will cover all the top tourist sites of the Bay of Islands, including a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and a three-hour Kings cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock.
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