All aboard for wilderness adventures

All aboard for wilderness adventures with Fiordland Water Taxi

FIORDLAND, 5 November 2014 - Outdoor adventures in the Fiordland backcountry are now a whole lot easier following the launch of purpose-built Fiordland Water Taxi, just in time for the start of summer.

Together with wife Christine, Mark Wallace purchased the business from local legend Vern Thompson of Western Safaris and set to work creating the new eight-metre vessel. The boat has even taken on the nickname of ‘The Vernon’ as a rather appropriate tribute.

“We saw a need for a more extensive service on Lake Te Anau for hikers, hunters and fishermen, particularly in the northern area,” said Mark.

With seating for 12, plenty of room for gear and a large front hatch with ladder for easy shoreline access, the vessel is “just the ticket” when it comes to accessing the region’s remote wilderness areas.

Catering to all lovers of the outdoors, Fiordland Water Taxi operates on demand, year-round. Hunters can charter access to the Wapiti Blocks from Lake Te Anau, and hiking track transport includes the Milford Track and George Sound Track via Lake Hankinson.

The operation also gives anglers unlimited opportunities to fish the remote backcountry areas New Zealand is famous for, and also welcome charters from commercial operators.

Having attained Department of Conservation concessions and Southland District Council resource consents to provide water taxi transport on Lakes Te Anau, Manapouri, Monowai, Hauroko and Mavora, Fiordland Water Taxi offer a comprehensive service throughout the region. Many destinations that are restrictive for helicopters can be easily reached by water, enabling hikers, hunters and fishers access to unchartered and unique territory.

Mark and Christine also own Fiordland Outdoors Company, and so introducing a ‘next-level’ solution for wilderness access was a natural progression for the business. The company also encompasses Fish Jet and Mark Wallace Distinctive Fishing Experiences, both offering unique jet boat fishing trips on the Waiau River.

Having lived in Fiordland for nearly 20 years, Mark and his family love the diversity of adventures the region has to offer and Mark has extensive experience of the local area.

This passion for the outdoors is already evident in their two sons, aged four and six. Both boys are keen fishermen and up-and-coming outdoorsmen.

“Fiordland is raw, untouched New Zealand at its very best - we couldn’t imagine living and working anywhere else,” says Mark.

ENDS

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