New guided bus tours offer glimpse into Queenstown’s past

Media Release from Kiwi Birdlife Park
22 December 2011

New guided bus tours offer glimpse into Queenstown’s past

A new guided bus service has been launched in Queenstown offering an alternative to the fast-paced, adrenaline activities associated with New Zealand’s premier resort town.

The Kiwi Circle Bus recounts the town’s past through guided hourly tours, focusing not only on Maori legacies and ‘gold rush’ fever, but also on the more recent changes that have accompanied its rapid growth.

Paul Wilson, owner and director of the Kiwi Birdlife Park, came up with the idea for the service when he realized that many of the interesting, quirky stories about Queenstown were becoming forgotten.

“I was born and bred here and there's a lot of history that I feel sometimes gets lost, so this tour is aimed at being able to share that with visitors, " he said.

Twenty-six years ago, the Wilson family converted a rubbish dump, which used to be considered on the edge of town, into the Kiwi Birdlife Park, a wildlife sanctuary within walking distance of what is now the CBD.

“We’ve seen many changes since we began the park, which has grown and thrived right alongside the town. But it’s important to remember where we came from.”

The launch of the Kiwi Circle History Tour is timely since two important Queenstown landmarks, the T.S.S. Earnslaw and the Coronation Bathhouse, are celebrating centennials in 2012.

“I’m delighted the Kiwi Circle will be part of preserving and sharing this town’s great story,” said Wilson.

Bus drivers provide live commentary rather than offering a recording, to enable passengers to ask questions and interact with the drivers, who are all local.

Since the service is used mostly by visitors to the town, drivers also point out information useful to newcomers, including the post office, public amenities and even restaurant recommendations.

The Kiwi Circle History Tour departs hourly from the Kiwi Birdlife Park, stopping at major hotels and points of interest downtown and in Fernhill. The $25 bus pass is valid for three full days, encouraging passengers to use it as a shuttle service, hopping on and off throughout the day.

ENDS

© Scoop Media