Sea kayaking on the glassy waters surrounding Auckland, strolling through sun-dappled vineyards in Wairarapa, exploring the flora and fauna of the Waipoua Forest – agents can experience this and more on a new virtual fam trip series by Tourism New Zealand.

The new four-part series takes a different approach to many other virtual fams, with the videos filmed in the first person so that agents are placed at the heart of the trip, feeling as though they are experiencing each activity and location for themselves in real time, and with local guides and operators on hand to enhance the trip through education.

The first trip took place on 29 September, with a focus on Auckland and Northland, beginning with a paddle across the Waitemata Harbour with Auckland Sea Kayaks, exploring some of the volcanic islands that make up the city’s volcanic field.

Agents also joined eco-tour operator Footprints Waipoua for a guided walk through the Waipoua Forest and a spiritual encounter with Tane Mahuta, a giant kauri tree named after a Maori forest god, which is estimated to be between 1,250 and 2,500 years old.

LOTS TO LEARN

Sarah Watson, director of independent agency Travel Impressions of Tring, knows New Zealand well, having lived there for seven years, and is a Gold Level New Zealand Specialist – yet she still learnt a great deal from the first virtual fam she joined.

“It was great as we effectively experienced it without being there. I really liked the [point-of-view] format and it certainly holds your interest. There was also a bit of news about the destination too, which was great.”

She says a highlight was the walk through the Waipoua Forest. “It was really interesting, learning about the Maori people and their different gods.

“People are more and more interested in getting those cultural experiences rather than just seeing the main sites – they want to get a lot more out of their trips now, especially after not being able to travel for so long.

“We always like to add one or two different, less touristy experiences to a trip, so it was very helpful to have been shown these on a virtual fam.”

The next two virtual fams are on 10 November at midday, exploring the Wairarapa and Akaroa; and on 1 December at midday, with a focus on the Wanaka and Fiordland.

By joining the virtual trips, agents will contribute to the protection of New Zealand’s unique biodiversity, with Tourism New Zealand planting one native tree along the virtual fam itinerary for every 10 live participants.

Agents can sign up to the remaining virtual fam trips by visiting traveltrade.newzealand.com