Stepping down from walks business

Long-standing local business Kahurangi Guided Walks (KGW) is looking for new ownership.

Which is timely, because owner/operator Jenni Kingston reports that, “post-covid, more New Zealanders than ever are out walking. In 2020-2021 when the borders closed, we had our biggest year ever.”

The business was started by John Croxford in 1997. Jenni started guiding in 2007, purchasing the business in 2015. Jenni tells The GB Weekly that the “core of the business is assisting clients to do multi-day walks, including the Heaphy Track, Abel Tasman, Cobb Valley and Old Ghost Road”. KGW is one of only three guided walk companies that operate in the area.

Guide Jenni Kingston on Old Ghost Road.

Photo Supplied.

“Our point of difference is offering assistance to an older generation. Our clientele tends to be aged between 60 years to late-seventies. Usually, active semi-retired or retired New Zealanders. The number of people in their seventies who are choosing active holidays seems to be continually increasing.”

Jenni explains that KGW has three main aims: 1) keeping everyone safe, 2) serving good food, 3) sharing of knowledge. “Our trips are usually five or so days, really taking our time to take everything in – flora, fauna, geography, local history, and stories.”

Jenni contracts a team of experienced local guides, drivers, and porters. They each bring their own personality, stories and knowledge to the trips which adds to the experience.

“The interesting thing about business is that it is everchanging – climate change means tracks and roads closing, bridges washed out; and of course, covid. Because of our location, we are highly resilient to [these impediments] as we have lots of options of walks.”

Bookings are already coming in for 2024. “There is definitely no shortage of people interested in coming on a guided walk. I find the challenge is how many trips I have the capacity to organise and cater for.”

Jenni loves what she does but believes that the business is ready for some fresh energy – with her stepping back and someone else taking the reins. She sees room for growth with the right person (or people) driving it forward.

The business includes:

Three Department of Conservation concessions to guide walks on the Heaphy and Abel Tasman tracks, and throughout the Kahurangi National Park (including the Old Ghost Road).

• Storage facilities on the Heaphy Track.

• Brand reputation.

• Robust systems and processes.

• A comprehensive website.

• Client database (with 25 per cent repeat customers).

• Forward bookings out to April 2024.

• An extensive safety management system.

• A lengthy handover and mentoring period, with the option of Jenni staying on as a guide.

Jenni says that the ideal owner is “someone who knows, understands and loves this region”. She says that it is easy to run it from home, and there is plenty of scope to expand the business. “Prospective owners should come on a trip and see what it is all about.” And now is the time, with only six trips left this season.

If you are in interested in learning more about KGW, a good start is the website http://www.kahurangiwalks.co.nz/ or contact Jenni on ph 022 657 8869.