New tourism product from new business venture

An innovative and exciting new tourism venture has just been launched in the Far North.

Hikoi Tahi Walking Tours solves the dual problem that both visitors and locals face by offering a

very contemporary way to share our fascinating stories, maintain authenticity yet still support locals and their communities.

The product is the brainchild of four post-graduate students at the University of Auckland Business School. As mature students already with a wealth of skills and expertise

between them, Hikoi Tahi Walks was first created as a Business Development exercise. The response was so outstanding that the decision to form a company was easy.

Hikoi Tahi (literally “walking together”) develops guided walks digitally. Unlike other guided walks, technology means that they can be used at the convenience of the visitor, and the walks taken at their leisure.

“Visitors may download the walk as they plan their trips, listen to the stories and view the images before they arrive. Others may pick the walks up as they find our places and want to explore further. And of course all have a great souvenir to take home with them since the walks can be replayed at any time” said Jane Hindle, one of the company founders.

The walks are delivered as Apps from the iTunes store or Google Play to cell phone and tablet devices. If visitors do not personally have the technology, pre-loaded tablets are also available for hire. The walks are developed in partnership with local communities, and the

company’s fundamental purpose is to return a percentage of the profits back to those who share their stories.

“The narrating voices are local voices. The images are both contemporary and historic, sometimes not previously seen before. This provides a depth of authenticity and intimacy that make our walks really special.”

The first two walks are now available in English, French and German and tell the stories of the Flagstaff on Maiki Hill in Russell and the Russell Kororāreka story from a Māori perspective. The walks are reasonably priced, less than a cup of coffee and a bun, and provide a AUTHENTIC TŪTURU FASCINATING

www.hikoitahiwalks.co.nz wealth of information.

“We also think locals will enjoy learning more about our places as much as our visitors, so we hope they give them a go!”

An innovative and exciting new tourism venture has just been launched in the Far North.

Hikoi Tahi Walking Tours solves the dual problem that both visitors and locals face by offering a very contemporary way to share our fascinating stories, maintain authenticity yet still support locals and their communities.

The product is the brainchild of four post-graduate students at the University of Auckland Business School. As mature students already with a wealth of skills and expertise between them, Hikoi Tahi Walks was first created as a Business Development exercise. The response was so outstanding that the decision to form a company was easy.