Top award for sticking to the job

For Elite Adventures' Trent Neilson, being named Australian Pacific Touring's 2010 operator of the year was a real reward for "sticking with it".
"APT is a large reputable company, bringing thousands of tourists a year to Rotorua, so the title is a real honour."
It is a competitive business and one Trent enjoys, but he almost sold out when he was going through a divorce.
"But I stuck with it and have worked pretty hard with my great friend and colleague Huru Maika."
Elite Adventures targets high-end visitors, offering fully guided half and full-day tours in Rotorua, Taupo, Tauranga and the greater North Island.
The focus is on sharing the guides' knowledge of local culture, flora, fauna and geothermal activity.
Trent believes this is important to visitors - especially those who like to know what they are looking at.
"It makes a difference to have a local knowledgeable guide who grew up in Rotorua and has a real connection to it - and the tourists agree."
He says there is a great depth to Rotorua's Maori culture and describes its volcanic environment as spectacular.
Starting out at Rainbow and Fairy Springs as a 15-year-old has given him a solid grounding in the tourism sector.
"I worked part time when I was at school, then got offered a full time job where I worked for nine years as a guide/groundsperson."
He went on to become the assistant curator for the Kiwi breeding programme "Operation Nest Egg".
Trent also discovered how much he enjoyed guiding and meeting new people. He left the Springs to become a tour guide and driver for a number of firms, including Mount Tarawera 4WD, Carey's Sightseeing and Excursions.
In 2000, he created his own guiding company - Elite Adventures. The business has adapted to increasing demand for high-value activities from backpackers, who are looking to spend what they have saved on accommodation to experience the country.
Even after 10 years, Trent has little difficulty maintaining his enthusiasm for the job and attractions.
"One day you're standing next to the largest hot spring in the world, the next you are whizzing down the Waikato River in a jet boat. There is a lot of variety in the job."
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Contact business editor Julie Taylor on (07) 348 6199 ext 57015 or at business@dailypost.co.nz