11 October 2005
One of the country's iconic tourist enterprises, Hurunui Horse Treks, has been sold.
The North Canterbury-based trekking operation, which features in the book, Fifty Great Horse Treks of the World, has
been bought by Liam and Heather Naden.
Hurunui Horse Treks is a tourism success story for New Zealand. Started in 1987 by Rob Stanley, the business has carved
out an international reputation, and today boasts a strong client base from Europe, North America and the United
Kingdom.
It offers horse riding adventures ranging from two to ten days through the South Island High Country.
Innovative marketing, including effective web-based promotion through its site, www.hurunui.co.nz, has been crucial to
the business's success. It was the country's first multi-day trekking operation to earn Qualmark accreditation.
The Nadens are determined to build on the strengths of the business, having had many years experience in the tourism
industry, most recently the Bay Adventurer Backpackers and Apartments, Paihia, in the Bay of Islands.
Liam has had a varied background, from professional musician to wine authority. He has extensive international marketing
experience from a number of business ventures which he intends using to lift the profile of the business further. His
father, Pat Naden, was for many years the senior trotting writer for the NZ Herald.
Heather is an experienced horsewoman who rode competitively for some years in Britain. As a fully qualified chef she has
owned a restaurant and auberge in France (she speaks fluent French) and a string of French patisseries in southern
England. She has also owned nursery schools and children's adventure clubs in Britain.
The Nadens take over at the start of November.
Rob Stanley and Mandy Platt intend pursuing new business interests in Marlborough.
ENDS