Continuing our Central Summer series, Mary looks at a business which didn’t have to pivot with the impact of COVID-19 – they were already focused on the local market.

Competition: You and up to three friends or family could win a safari along an old gold mining track - one of the highest roads in the country. Climb nearly 1700 metres up to the obelisk at the top of the Old Man Range. Read on to find out more. 

Alan and Trish May were farmers who ran a farm and tourism business for many years. Their move to focus more on tourism saw a move to Clyde, a lifestyle change, and a venture to promote the parts of wild Central Otago few Kiwis get to explore, ‘Central Otago Safaris’.

I sat down for a relaxed chat with this interesting couple.

“Through COVID, of course we were impacted”, said Alan.

“But for us, it’s always been about showing off the wild Central Otago, it’s history, the big skies and special places.

“We’ve always worked to appeal to Kiwis, including local Kiwis.

“We only take four people at a time; our tours are personalised, not like the big boys, they’re more generic.

“We keep the tours real, personalise it each time, that’s our difference.

“I’m not flashy, I’m just a bloke, we go out and people have a good time.

“I know the local history of each of the areas we travel to.

“I know the best high country fishing spots, the best biking - we often take bikes with us - and of course the best boutique wineries.

Trish and Alan May are successfully showcasing the best of wild Central Otago.

“We hand pick wineries for anyone who wants that one-on-one wine tasting experience.

“You don’t need to travel outside of Central Otago for a special experience, we’ve got the best here.

“The ecology and the landscapes are just unique.

“It’s a photographer’s dream.”

Alan said he had the time to stop, knew the best places to stop, and has the knowledge to answer questions. Each tour was personal to those enjoying it.

Trish said she made picnic lunches, and loaded up hampers with her homemade scones and baking.

Alan has full compliance to travel all the roads and tracks in Central Otago, so he said even locals could go places they had never seen before.

“The history in the Nevis Valley, it’s quite stunning.

“There’s a place in the Nevis Valley with a visitors book in the long drop toilet.

“It’s optional to shut the door, or to look at the view and sign the visitors book”, he laughed.

There are many interesting plants and birds to discover at altitude, including our native falcon.  

Alan’s great, great grandparents came here from Scotland in the 1860s seeking gold. His great, great grandfather found success first at Gabriel’s Gully, then at other sites in Central Otago. Alan had keenly followed his family history, so he has many personal stories to tell and a special affinity with the gold mining history of this area.

“Sometimes people want to have a go at panning.

“I’ve got gold pans and know the rivers, and we sometimes find a bit of colour.”

Trish said they had developed their bed and breakfast accommodation, Argyll on Clyde, as it fitted with the safari tours and answered a need for Kiwis getting away to see the country.

“Some people like the whole package.

“Beautiful accommodation, local knowledge and help planning their time to get the best out of biking, touring, walking, relaxing or whatever they want to do while they are here.”

“In couples or small groups, they come for a few days and do the best of the trails, the best of the sights, and also have a day safari.”

“That personal touch going right through everything – that’s our secret.”

“That’s the key to success with Kiwis.”

Head to the Central Otago Safaris website for more information or to book a safari experience.

COMPETITION:

One lucky reader will win an amazing prize of a personalised safari tour for up to four people, ascending nearly 1700 metres to the obelisk at the top of the Old Man Range. You will get to enjoy 360 degree views, with nothing higher between you and the South Pole.

Send us an email at [email protected] or private message us on The Central App Facebook page to be in with a chance to win:

●      Tell us why you, or a person you nominate, deserve to win.

●      Go to the Central Otago Safaris website, and design your dream safari with them – one personal to you, or one you would recommend to your visitors and friends. Describe your dream safari to us.

Entries close midnight Sunday 3^rd January 2021. 

This column is all about encouraging us all to support each other in Central.

If you have a comment or suggestion for future Central Summer columns, email us at [email protected]

Let’s make it a great summer here in Central.