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TRAVEL & LEISURE: QUEENSTOWN WRAPPED UP AND READY
Queenstown wrapped up and ready
New Zealand disability travel company Ability Adventures were approached to put together a self-drive package to Queenstown for Jess and Lloyd Reidy, along with their two boys Walt who has cerebral palsy and Gus.
“Most package holiday options on the market are not flexible enough to work for people with disability, or the additional equipment hire and other needs that add an extra layer of booking hassle and expense,” Ability Adventures, managing director Sandie Grant told Link.
“We mainly tailor travel itineraries to achieve inclusive holiday experiences for all levels of mobility, physical impairment or learning disability,” she said, “but Queenstown is one of those tourism sweet spots that has something for everyone.”
Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and flanked by the Remarkable and Eyre Mountains, Queenstown is arguably one of the most scenic locations in the world and the adventure capital of New Zealand. It’s direct flights from Australia make it a popular destination for those who want to make every day of their holiday count.
“The options and the positive approach from tourism operators to provide more accessible activities makes for a ready-made holiday possible. And Jess and Lloyd were so rapt with the whole holiday, I thought, why not turn it into a package tour that other families can enjoy?”
A highlight for the Reidy family was the visit to the Snow Farm high up on the Pisa Range, where the whole family got to enjoy tubing and the sit-ski.
“It was amazing. We dragged Walt up in the tube and he whizzed down the slope just like his brother,” Lloyd Reidy said. “Everyone we encountered has been so willing to help us, and the weather gods were generous. This has been the best holiday we could have imagined, and we couldn’t have done it without Sandie.”
Grant is excited about sharing the Reidy’s experienced with more family groups looking for a self-drive winter escape. “A little fine tuning for ensuring the necessary gear is all there to fit individual needs, and a menu of activity options, and this could be the perfect package holiday for you too,” she said.
Ability Adventures Queenstown Wrapped Up and Ready 7-day package includes:
• Accessible vehicle hire
• Accessible self-contained apartment
• Gondola ride high above Queenstown for spectacular views and option for Luge Rides, lunch or dinner
• Wakatipu Lake cruise with high country sheep station show and BBQ lunch
• Drive the Crown Range Road the highest main road in New Zealand, and down the tussock-clad Cardrona Valley to nearby Lake Wanaka
• Follow the Kawarau River to an early goldmining area and worldrenowned vineyards with top-class wines
• Accessible travel information, support and local area tips.
Additional activity options include, helicopter flights, jet boating, Lord of the Rings 4x4 tours, wineries, snow play, sit-ski and many more.
Ability Adventures are taking enquires now for the 2025/26 season – email us for an information pack at: www.abilityadventures.co.nz
