Whale Watch Kaikoura - Big Award and New Boat

- January 2010 -

Whale Watch Kaikoura has taken the supreme award at International Tourism Awards and they have launched a new vessel

Big Awards

For the second year running, New Zealand has taken the top spot at the prestigious Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards.

 

Whale Watch Kaikoura was named as overall winner at the awards announced yesterday at the 30^th anniversary of the World Travel Market, held annually in London. They also won the marine environment category.

 

The event, the largest of its kind in the world, attracts more than 5000 exhibitors from more than 200 countries and the awards ceremony is the centrepiece.

 

The awards were launched in 2004 and are run in association with World Travel Market, the Daily Telegraph, Geographical Magazine and BBC World News.

 

Whale Watch Kaikoura chief operating officer Kauahi Ngapoura said he was overwhelmed by the award which saw the South Island-based operation edge out tourism giants and fellow finalists, including the City of Cape Town, Royal Caribbean Cruises and SeaFrance.

 

"I am honoured to accept the award on behalf of Whale Watch Kaikoura, and New Zealand. To be chosen as the best against the world's leading responsible tourism operators is a humbling experience," Mr Ngapoura said.

 

Whale Watch Kaikoura was one of 35 organisations shortlisted for honours and among hundreds throughout the world nominated for the prestigious awards.

 

The announcement that Whale Watch Kaikoura had been awarded the Supreme award followed success for the organisation in the Marine Environment category.

 

New Boat

The Wawahia is the sixth in Whale Watch Kaikoura's New Zealand fleet. It was designed by Teknicraft Design and built by Q-West Boat builders in Whanganui at a cost of $2.5m, and is the first of a planned new generation fleet of whale watching vessels. The boat boasts the first Volvo Penta D16 MH engine for commercial passenger vessel application and the first Volvo Penta D16 MH and Hamilton Jet Blue Arrow Control Integration system in New Zealand. Volvo Penta, are world leaders in marine engines and power systems and are recognised globally for their innovation in marine engineering and their high performance, reliable, long-life and environmentally considered products. Whale Watch Kaikoura have maintained a relationship with Hamilton Jet for almost 20 years with all their vessels using Hamilton Jet propulsion.

 

"We are delighted to be the first tourism company in New Zealand to be using the advanced technology of Volvo Penta. These guys are the best marine engineers in the world, their product is unequalled in terms of performance and reliability and their core values of quality, safety and care for the environment are a perfect fit for Whale Watch Kaikoura", says Kauahi Ngapora, Whale Watch Kaikoura Chief Operating Officer.

 

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