20 | Marlborough Chamber - Marlborough Tour Company T T Rosa Watson From small beginnings to industry leader The company employs 186 staff during peak season across the group, providing valuable employment opportunities for the region. “Instead of booking separate operators, guests can experience Marlborough seamlessly with us, from cruise transport to guided hikes, wine tours, seafood experiences and waterfront stays in the Sounds.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Over three decades, the Marlborough Tour Company has undergone an impressive expansion to become one of the region’s leading tourism operators. The proudly family-owned business delivers authentic, high-quality experiences across the Marlborough region, showcasing everything it has to offer. The group includes seven tourism brands: Marlborough Tour Company — Tours & Cruises, Furneaux Lodge, Punga Cove Resort, Cougar Line, Pelorus Mail Boat, Wilderness Guides, and Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company. “From wine and seafood tours, to cruises, lodge stays, private charters, and outdoor adventures, we showcase the very best of Marlborough with expert local knowledge and warm hospitality,” managing director Barbara Burkhart says. What sets the group apart is its fully integrated, end-to-end offering across land, sea, accommodation and adventure, she says. “Instead of booking separate operators, guests can experience Marlborough seamlessly with us, from cruise transport to guided hikes, wine tours, seafood experiences and waterfront stays in the Sounds.” The company employs 186 staff during peak season across the group, providing valuable employment opportunities for the region. It is the largest and longest-running touring company in the upper South Island. Established in the early 1990s, it has grown and changed hands along the way, continually expanding its portfolio and the experiences it delivers. In 2018, Marlborough Tour Company added to its existing tours and cruises by acquiring two well-known Marlborough Sounds lodges, Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove Resort, which are both located on the world-famous Queen Charlotte Track. This was followed by the purchase of Cougar Line, Picton’s long-time water transportation company that ferries people and delivers freight to all corners of Queen Charlotte Sound/Tōtaranui. The opportunity then arose to purchase the historic Pelorus Mail Boat operating out of Havelock, which has been operating in Pelorus Sound/Te Hoiere since 1918 and offers one of the most unique cruises in the country. Most recently, the group acquired Wilderness Guides and Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company, that offers hiking, biking and sea kayaking tours from just a few hours to multiple days. Over 100,000 guests come through the group’s various brands each year, a portion of which are repeat customers. Barbara says the most popular activities are the Pelorus Mail Boat Cruise, Seafood Odyssea Cruise, and Cruise and Lunch which offers guests a day out in the Sounds with lunch at either Furneaux Lodge or Punga Cove Resort. She says since its beginnings, Marlborough Tour Company has been family owned. “This long line of family connection to the region and a total commitment to quality service defines us as Marlborough’s premium tour company.” The group’s core values are at the heart of its operation: people, community, sustainability, safety, accountability and Cyclone Buildings Wastewater / Excavation Concrete Work Drainage & Excavation Ph: 03 579 2284 www.findlaterconstruction.co.nz Passionate about delivering quality innovative designs Proudly Supporting Marlborough Tour Company WWW . H AWK I N S A R CH I T E C T U R E . CO . N Z compliance, environmental stewardship and Tiaki. “These guide both how we operate and how we show up for our guests, our team and our region.” The group was motivated to join the local Chamber of Commerce to connect with local businesses, collaborate with the wider community, and play an active role in supporting Marlborough’s growth. “As a long-standing tourism operator, we contribute local insight, industry experience, and a genuine desire to support a thriving business community,” Barbara says. “We’ve helped drive Marlborough’s economic growth by creating jobs, attracting domestic and international visitors, partnering with local suppliers, and showcasing the region through authentic tourism experiences that keep money in the local economy.”
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