Older Hikers Targeted By New Business

Media Release

26 October 2003

Older hikers targeted by new business

Retired nurse Sue Weller loves travelling and now she's found a way to share her passion with other retired people.

Sue noticed a gap in the hiking tour market for older people. That started her thinking and has led to the start-up of a small family business focused on guiding people of this age-group around the South Island.

PureTrails New Zealand is owned and operated by Sue (54), who still counts herself as "retired".

"After retiring, I was looking for a new challenge and decided that guiding people around the beautiful South Island would be my dream job," she says.

"The beauty of focusing on the South Island is that in two hours you can be surrounded by a completely different landscape."

Sue has a passion for the outdoors. She is currently training for a half-marathon and completed the adult Outward Bound course last year.

"PureTrails is unique in that it allows people to get off the main tourist trail and experience the unspoilt beauty of our wilderness through a number of well formed walking trails," Sue says.

Her daughter Hilary, who shares her mother's interest in hiking, assists Sue. Hilary has worked in outdoor tourism for several years in New Zealand and France.

The tours, which range from five to 21 days, use comfortable but low cost accommodation, most meals are prepared together as a group, while the more adventurous hikers can spend money on extra activities.

"We love sharing New Zealand's best kept secrets with those who share our passion for hiking, particularly those in the over 60s age group," says Sue.

PureTrails is using the Internet to market its tours particularly into the Australian and American markets. New cd technology, in the shape of a business card, is also being used to promote the venture.

Contact details: Sue and Hilary Weller 0800 222 775

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