GreatSights launches Dolphin Seeker cruise in Bay of Islands

Release Date: Tuesday October 21st, 2008

InterCity Group Limited has launched its GreatSights brand into the Bay of Islands as a marine operator and coach tour operator to 90 mile beach and Cape Reinga, in an effort to attract even more tourists to the region.

With an extensive array of Northland-based coach tours departing Auckland daily, the addition of a dedicated Bay of Islands dolphin watching cruise to the Hole in the Rock as well as daily tours to Cape Reinga, tourists are able to experience what makes the region truly unique by both land and sea with GreatSights.

"The GreatSights Dolphin Viewing and Hole in the Rock cruise is designed for nature lovers with the adventure beginning as soon as they step onboard our luxury catamaran," says General Manager for Bay of Island InterCity Group, Charles Parker.

"Both international and local visitors to the region have often never seen dolphins in their natural habitat. The Dolphin Seeker cruise is designed to bring visitors up close and personal with these amazing creatures and I can't imagine anywhere in the world that could offer more stunning scenery in which to take part in this experience."

InterCity is dedicated to Northland, bringing thousands of tourists to the region every year. "About 70 percent of tourists we transport to the region stay either overnight or longer. With so much to do in Northland, we are committed to helping keep visitors in the area for as long as possible and we are continuing to add to the depth and breadth of tourism experiences that we are offering in the area," says Charles.

The expansion of GreatSights into marine cruises and tours to Cape Reinga opens up the Northland region to the company's extensive distribution network, which has a high-penetration from overseas wholesalers. Many trade wholesalers use GreatSights as an integral part of a wider travel itinerary for tourists travelling to the North.

The GreatSights Dolphin Seeker cruise will depart both Paihia and Russell twice daily and has the capacity to transport up to 230 people. The launch coincides with the introduction of a new logo and livery for both coaches and vessels.

To facilitate the expansion of GreatSights in the Bay of Islands a brand new luxury 13.5m coach has also been added to the company's operations between Auckland and Northland.