An eco-tourism operator is hoping a new venture will help electrify visitors to the Catlins.
Neil Meyer, who has run Catlins Horse Riding at Newhaven with wife Cara for the past 20 years, said Covid-19 lockdowns and border restrictions had led to a business rethink, and a move towards motorisation.
Earlier this week he took receipt of three New Zealand-made Ubco Adventure e-motorbikes, which he plans to take out for public viewing during Owaka markets this weekend.
Mr Meyer said the bikes were a natural, eco-friendly complement to the horse-trekking side of the business, and gave visitors another option when wanting to explore the spectacular coastal surrounds.
"Awareness of the Catlins as a beautiful place to visit and tour is definitely growing, but there are limited activities for people, meaning many just visit for the day or drive through.
"Add to that not everybody is confident with horses, and the motorbikes just made sense as another option for people. The hope is that people will play and stay, boosting tourism more generally for the area."
He said the bikes were perfect for viewing the Catlins’ plentiful nature.
"They’re eco-friendly and, being electric, super-quiet, so when you stop to look at the wildlife you’re not scaring it off with any engine noise."
Although the Ubco brand was expanding its reach both domestically and abroad, the firm had informed him he was first in the South to use the bikes for tourism.
"They have a farm variant, and they’re used elsewhere for tourism, such as the Australian outback, but this is a first for down here.
"They’re cleverly designed so the centre of gravity is very low, speeds are limited to 50kmh and they’re pretty easy to drive. So most people should be able to hop on after a safety briefing, have a practice in the paddocks here and then we’re off."
The bike side of the business would use the same family farmland as the horse treks, he said.
"We’re very lucky to have access to some stunning coastal panoramas on the farm, so it’ll be a true Catlins experience for people."
Mr Meyer said he was talking to other local ventures about possible partnerships.
"One business has a coastal access concession, so that may be one possibility in future."
The bikes came in at $7500 each, he said, making them a significant investment.
"There are signs tourism is picking up again down here, so we believe it’s worth it."
