NZ BIGGEST INDUSTRY GETS NEW PRODUCT- THE AKATRACK (-Wellington )

(TO BE LAUNCHED FRIDAY 26 NOVEMBER AT 2PM AT KARAPOTI)

NEW TOURISM PRODUCT MAY LINK VISITORS FROM UPPER HUTT TO KAPITI

Akatarawa Valley residents Keith & Liz Budd are launching the first stage of their New walking experience. "The Akatrack, Wellington" .

In response to the growing interest by domestic and international visitors to walking for 2 - 3 days whilst having their bags carried and overnight accommodation provided, the Budds have taken the seeds of an idea from Upper Hutt City Council to start a walking experience that takes visitors into the hidden gems of the Akatarawa Valley.

After a 5 to 6 hour walk patrons will arrive at their overnight accommodation at Efil Doog, the Garden of Art and later be transferred to Staglands Wildlife Reserve for dinner.

An opportunity for the combination of a self guided walk, a select visit to beautiful gardens and hosted dinner at Staglands Wildlife Reserve will combine for a special experience.

Private walking tracks guru and author Wally Hirsh is visiting Upper Hutt to help launch the "Akatrack". He has written "Hidden Trails" which highlights 21 private walking tracks throughout New Zealand. Visitors are doing one of these walks and on many occasions get hooked to try out the rest. His book is becoming the benchmark for such packages.

The original concept of a package linking Upper Hutt to Kapiti is still on the drawing board and further stages of this new tourism product may give visitors to the Wellington Region the chance to tour right through the Akatarawa Valley from the Hutt Valley to Kapiti.

Keith Budd says he is looking forward to establishing this new business throughout the summer months and extending it in future years.

Any clients interested in booking can ring 04-526-4867

Ends

© Scoop Media

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