Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Video | Agriculture | Confidence | Economy | Energy | Employment | Finance | Media | Property | RBNZ | Science | SOEs | Tax | Technology | Telecoms | Tourism | Transport | Search

 

Historic Steam Transport to Ultra-modern Electric

MEDIA RELEASE

1 December 2016

From Historic Steam Transport to Ultra-modern Electric in Less than an Hour

Real Journeys’ latest Queenstown attraction carries visitors on one of the oldest forms of transport, the 104–year old TSS Earnslaw steamship, to one of the latest: the Ubco electric trail bike.

Designed in New Zealand, the dual electric drive trail bike has a lightweight frame and powerful near silent motor in each wheel that provide complete control for an off-road adventure at Walter Peak.

Real Journeys is the first company to provide a fleet of the brand new Ubco bikes as part of a tourism attraction. Commercial Director, Tony McQuilkin says he chose them because they were extremely functional, simple to use, innovative, silent and fitted the company’s conservation ethos.

“These bikes are the way of the future –there’s no noise, no internal combustion engine, no petrol tank, muffler, chain or clutch. But importantly for us they’re incredibly fun and easy to ride and are a great way to enjoy the back country hills and magnificent views at Walter Peak. The things are extraordinarily sturdy, quiet and take you anywhere, through mud or gravel,” says Tony.

The Walter Peak Electric Trail Bike trips take three and a half hours and start with a ride across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw. Groups of up to 12 join a nature guide, and put on protective clothing to travel around the paddocks and hills around the farm. The uninterrupted views are spectacular thanks to the large scale removal of noxious wilding pines; part of Real Journeys award-winning Walter Peak Land Restoration Project.

The trips will start today, and are bookable on www.realjourneys.co.nz. Visitors must be at least 13 years old, 150cm or over in height and weigh less than 110kg. Anyone who can ride a mountain bike on tracks and trails will be able to ride the electric trail bike.


Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Business Headlines | Sci-Tech Headlines

 
GenPro: General Practices Begin Issuing Clause 14 Notices

GenPro has been copied into a rising number of Clause 14 notices issued since the NZNO lodged its Primary Practice Pay Equity Claim against General Practice employers in December 2023.More

SPADA: Screen Industry Unites For Streaming Platform Regulation & Intellectual Property Protections

In an unprecedented international collaboration, representatives of screen producing organisations from around the world have released a joint statement.More

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.