History of Canterbury Trails
Canterbury Trails was started in 1994 by Brian Lucas. Brian is a keen traveller and recognised the potential of New Zealand, a country about which he was (and continues to be) passionate. He began specializing in personal, small group tours as well as exclusive private tours with the aim of showing guests the wonders of the South Island and New Zealand. As the company got busier he had to employ guides. These were carefully chosen and trained to ensure high standards were maintained. In 2009 Brian was one of three finalists in the prestigious ITOC Tourism Awards. He sold the business to John Holton and Sally Lilley in February 2010. Brian continues to be available to guide for Canterbury Trails.
It was Brian Lucas's dream to cater for those who prefer smaller, more intimate group tours and give his guests a truly memorable experience of New Zealand - a visit which would be both unique and relaxed. All the tours have been or are created by Brian Lucas (the former owner) or by John Holton and Sally Lilley with this continued aim. The hands on approach, with the owner / guide creating the itineraries, results in tours which allow for the best use of time, terrain, activities, variable seasons and accommodation. Being small group tours, there is far more flexibility with the time and activities to allow for each individual's interests.
Following Brian's example Canterbury Trails continues to take pride in attention to detail, the personal touch and first-class service from initial enquiry to farewell. Despite the reduction in visitors to New Zealand Canterbury Trails continues to develop. Most of that is due to more enquiries coming direct from the website. In the winter of 2011 Canterbury Trails revamped the website and also joined Facebook.
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