Newman's celebrates 125 years with 'Mega Famil'

When Jack Newman started his horse-and-cart mail run from Nelson, New Zealand, in July 1879, pedestrians occasionally flagged him down to hitch a ride.

Soon the demand for transportation became more than occasional – so much, in fact, that Jack (later Sir Jack) decided to start a dedicated passenger service through the Marlborough region, in addition to his mail run.

Today, 125 years later, Newmans is the one of largest holiday providers to New Zealand, with a major sales presence not only in Australia, but also North America and Europe.

To celebrate the milestone, Newmans Holidays and Newmans Coach will join forces next month with Air New Zealand to co-host a “mega famil” visit by 125 travel consultants, managers and media from Australia.

After a welcoming function in Auckland on 30 September, the Newman’s guests will depart to the regions of Bay of Islands, Taupo and Rotorua to experience a taste of the diverse activities and attractions on offer in New Zealand. The tour will culminate in Auckland on 2 October for a gala dinner and celebration of 125 years of Newman’s operations in New Zealand.

“This is a very exciting time for Newmans, and travel agents from throughout Australia will have a chance to be part of our one-off celebration to mark this major milestone,” said Melissa Watt, National Sales Manager for Newmans Holidays.

“Australia delivers more holidaymakers to New Zealand than to any other destination, with Newmans assisting a large number of these visitors,” said Ms Watt. “Our mega famil visit next month is a major demonstration of our continued confidence in the strength and future of New Zealand.”

Guests participating on the three-day celebration trip will be chosen from top sellers of Newmans Holidays and Newmans Coach tours, with a large number of positions also going to the top sellers of both brands throughout August.

Participating travel agents from throughout Australia will travel to New Zealand in eight groups from 30 September, flying Air New Zealand from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.