Motu Outdoor Adventures is one of the region’s newest tourism experiences. It invites thrill seekers to explore the rugged terrain of the Motu countryside on four-wheel-drive and ATV tours.
Visitors can bring their own vehicles or ride in one of the trucks or ATVs provided by owner-operator Grant Brown.
Born out of a passion for the land and a desire to offer something different, the Motu Outdoor Adventures experience celebrates remoteness and adventure.
“Our focus is showcasing the native bush and giving people a real outdoor experience. It’s about combining the fresh air, breathtaking scenery and the thrill of the great outdoors to create something special for visitors,” says Grant.
Getting from idea to market meant learning the ins and outs of the tourism industry and what it takes to become trade-ready.
The RTO has worked with Grant from early on, helping refine the visitor experience and strengthen the business’s strategic foundation.
“I’ve learned a lot over the past year. Initially, I had no idea how to market the experience, but working with the RTO team helped me understand where we fit in.”
Alongside the RTO team, Grant attended the eXplore tourism conference in Auckland, where he met tourism buyers, attended workshops on emerging trends and connected with operators from across the country.
“We had presentations on AI, from online travel agents and case studies from general managers of tourism businesses around different parts of New Zealand,” says Grant.
“That experience brought things together, helping me see the bigger picture and where we could head next.”
The off-season has offered a chance to focus on work behind the scenes, developing a long-term strategy and refining the tours.
“I’m applying everything I’ve learned over the past 12 months to prepare for summer. My original plans have evolved, so this quiet season is about refining the experience, applying new insights and getting ready for growth,” says Grant.
Early feedback from visitors has been overwhelmingly positive.
“People often say they weren’t expecting to be that close to nature. They comment on the density of the bush, the layers of flora and the young shoots coming through. They notice things I don’t even see anymore. Visitors are naturally curious and it’s about capturing that curiosity.”
“I’ve driven the track countless times, but when I see other people enjoying it, I realise how special it really is.”
Motu Outdoor Adventures is expanding the region’s tourism offerings, helping position Tairāwhiti as a top destination for authentic,
off-the-beaten-track adventure tourism.
The RTO continues working alongside Motu Outdoor Adventures, helping to promote the experience and build capability for long-term growth.
