News
The lure of a life in Te Anau proved just too tempting for one young North Island couple setting up a tourist orientated business in Te Anau.
Samantha and Garth Milichich, who moved to Te Anau a year ago, have established Wild Rides, a business offering mountain bike rental with families in mind.
Garth Milichich says the idea is to cater to families wishing to undertake cycling trips together around the Te Anau/Manapouri area.
“We want everyone to enjoy the amazing cycling opportunities there are in Fiordland. By offering trailer bikes, children’s bikes and electric bikes for rental we’re hoping to cater to all requirements.”
“The idea behind the electric bikes is to provide assistance to riders who in the past may have had to sit out a family cycle trip through lack of cycling confidence or experience. Our goal is to open up the world of cycling to as many visitors and locals as possible.”
Venture Southland Tourism Product Development Coordinator Renatta Hardy; says that it has been a great pleasure to assist and provide support to Garth and Samantha and am delighted by their enthusiasm to contribute to the visitor experience in Fiordland.
“Samantha and Garth have identified the market and customer potential for their product and in doing so are contributing economically to their community from assets such as the Waiau Cycle Trail”
“This new commissionable tourism product is a classic example of adding value to existing and future infrastructure.”
“The couple are also interested in giving back to their new community through the provision of industry training to young people in the Te Anau area. Youth retention is all important for a sustained future for the growing Fiordland tourism season.”
Initially Wild Rides are offering high end hard trail mountain bikes and electric mountain bikes for hire as well as a bike shop in the centre of Te Anau.