Rotorua's Tamaki brothers have sold their Glenorchy-based tourism business to concentrate on opening their Christchurch operation.
Mike and Doug Tamaki's company, Tamaki Heritage Experiences, bought the Glenorchy business in the South Island at the beginning of 2004.
Queenstown-based business partner Tony Bennet has just bought the Tamakishares in Dart Wilderness Adventures jet boat, Glenorchy Holiday Park and Glenorchy Visitor Centre as well as Backpacker Express.
Mike Tamaki did not want to divulge the price but said the sale had nothing to do with building the Christchurch operation.
"We had a good offer - that's just business."
The Christchurch attraction, called Old Christchurch Town and Pa, is due to open in January.
Built on a former dump sight at Ferrymead in Christchurch, it was initially to open in 2004 but hit resource consent snags because of its location.
Mr Tamaki said selling the Glenorchy businesses would enable developments in Christchurch and Rotorua to be sped up.
"The Glenorchy experiences are great but at this stage they are a luxury to the overriding storyline.
"This sale means our team can fully focus on those products we know to be essential to our long term vision."
New developments for Rotorua's Tamaki Maori Village are expected to be unveiled within the month and details about the Christchurch operation will be announced at the same time.
