Green Realm Travel is showing great leadership in ensuring sustainability of the tourism sector by providing a premium experience for New Zealand's high-yield visitors whilst minimizing their environmental footprint," said New Zealand's Minister of Tourism, Damien O'Connor.

Green Realm Travel Managing Director, Tim Cantlon, believes the company is perfectly positioned to boost the number of high wealth, experiencial travellers coming to New Zealand.

"Despite our country's unique scenic and cultural advantages, we have not previously offered New Zealand travel packages aimed at the very high end luxury traveller, who expects perfection and indulgence every step of their journey. This is the niche market Green Realm intends to develop."

Ensuring that discerning travellers' high expectations are fully catered to has seen an investment of over a million New Zealand Dollars (around 0.75 million USD) by Green Realm Travel in their first two luxury coaches. The custom built coaches bring a new level of comfort to the luxury New Zealand tours market, with specially imported, first--class, reclining leather lounge seats. The superior seats, one on either side of the aisle, offer passengers absolute comfort and relaxation during their journey.

Green Realm Travel aim to give travellers a richly interactive journey which takes in New Zealand's most breathtaking scenery whilst enjoying the finest lodges, hotels and most exceptional culinary fare. During their tour a state of the art surround-sound system and 27inch flat-screen TV will provide information on each region. On board wireless internet access allows travellers to email and share photos of their experiences.

Speaking at the unveiling, Tim Cantlon said that Green Realm Travel's ecological focus drove the choice of MAN A67 Euro 4 coach chassis to conform with the highest environmental standards (with reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emissions) allowing passengers to travel with a clear conscience.

Each of the three experiencial Green Realm Travel itineraries is said to showcase the best of New Zealand's dramatic landscapes and offer a diverse range of interactive group activities and independent options.

Green Realm Travel has three tours:

• The North Island Tour -- 'Birthplace of the Nation' - 11 days 10 nights. Price: NZ$9,788 (twin share - per person), NZ$12,515.00 (single).
• The South Island Tour -- 'Adrenaline Sparks and Spiritual Solace' -- 11 days 10 nights. Price: NZ$9,788 (twin share - per person) NZ$12,515.00 (single).
• The National Tour -- 'The Total Experience' -- 18 days 17 nights. Price: NZ$17,135 (twin share -- per person) NZ$21,894.00 (single).

Sarah Alexander-Wilcox
Spice Communications