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The new Glenorchy attraction- The Future is Wild at The Hillocks that pairs a guided nature walk with virtual reality is offering agents up to 20 per cent commission, as it looks to the travel trade for a big share of its visitors.
The Hillocks is already working on packages with several of the district’s best-known operators.
Gerhard Sieber, co-founder and managing director, The Hillocks Holdings Limited Investment, says the business is planning for steady growth over its first few years.
“We are forecasting around 30,000 visitors in the first full year, rising to 120,000 at full capacity. On channels, we expect roughly 40 per cent through trade – inbound operators, tour operators and our accommodation partners – and 60 per cent direct in year one, with trade growing as packages bed in.”
Some of Glenorchy and Queenstown’s biggest names are among the first to come on board.
“We already have packaging under way with Dart River Jet, Kinloch Wilderness Retreat, Blanket Bay and the Great Glenorchy Alpine Base Camp, and a partner in the China market developing combined horse–VR–jetboat itineraries.” says Gerhard.
Agents and wholesalers will be paid on a sliding scale, with the biggest sellers earning the most.
“We are finalising a tiered commission structure: around 20 per cent for volume partners, starting at 10 per cent for smaller agents, with net rates for inbound operators and wholesalers available on request, and partner rates for accommodation partners who bundle us into packages. Allotments are available given our 20-minute departures. Trade enquiries to our director of operations, Georgie Robertson, or to Jeremy and me.”
Gerhard says the attraction is aimed at both international and domestic visitors, and the ticket price reflects that.
“At NZ$179 for an adult ticket we sit at the lower end of what comparable experiences in the region charge, for what we believe is a world first: an immersive, synchronised VR nature walk with world-leading VR technology and content. The experience is 60–75 minutes on a landform that has never been open to the public, in one of New Zealand’s most outstanding natural landscapes.”
He expects the visitor mix to change as the business grows.
“In year one we expect domestic visitors and Australians to lead – Queenstown’s holiday traffic, families with children 10 and up, and the Lord of the Rings audience – with Asian and North American FIT growing through trade. It’s weather-independent, which Queenstown operators will understand the value of.”
Getting The Hillocks to opening day has been a big commitment for those behind it.
“The Hillocks is privately funded: the two founders, who have put up their own land and capital, plus a small group of private investors through a SAFE round. Total investment to opening is several million dollars. At full capacity we will employ 8–10 people – guides, visitor-centre hosts and operations. Beyond that, the build has gone to local trades (Irving Builders of Christchurch on the hides, local earthworks and services), and the content was produced in Dunedin by Burningfish Productions and in Singapore by Ministry XR.”
And Glenorchy may be only the beginning.
“The Hillocks is the first visitor experience built on the international Future is Wild™ franchise, and the concept is designed to be replicated: the format – a guided walk with synchronised VR telling the natural history of the ground you’re standing on – works anywhere with a landscape and a story.” says Gerhard
He says the interest is welcome, but the team is staying put for now.
“We have had early approaches about other locations, in New Zealand and overseas. Nothing is agreed, and our focus until well into 2027 is making Glenorchy work.”
