Thorn Tree segways into travel venture
Posted at 04:08PM Jul 04, 2008 by geekgal
Thorn Tree member Kevin Hey wrote to us to thank Lonely Planet and his fellow Thorn Tree-ers for the "invaluable information and advice" he put to use backpacking, and to let us know that the travel bug has become a full time gig for him these days!
Inspired by his own travels and the fun of new experiences, Kevin has launched a business that lets visitors to Queenstown, New Zealand discover the local landscape on everybody's favourite oddball vehicle, the Segway!
We asked Kevin to tell us more about his travelling and how it's landed him in the biz.
What’s your all time favourite trip?
I once did a surf safari from Sydney to Byron Bay with a company called Surfaris where we surfed each day and camped out each night. That was a great trip!
My favourite trip with the Segway would have been when I picked up a Polish couple in their 60’s. She couldn’t ride a bicycle and was very nervous about riding a Segway. She needed a lot more training and support than her husband but she picked up the basics and we head out on a trip. Along the way her confidence picked up and they wanted to extend their excursion from 1 hour to a 2 hour tour. Later in the trip customers get to ride on a faster speed setting. She was ready for the faster speed and before we got back she loved it so much and wanted to go faster again. It was great to see her go from being so nervous to so enthusiastic.
Tell us a bit about your idea?
Riding a Segway is quite a unique experience. To move the vehicle forwards or backwards you simply lean in that direction. This sensation, while a little weird at first, is a thrill that everyone seems to enjoy. I’ve formed a business which gives people an opportunity to experience this.
How did your own travels - and your experience connecting with other travellers - inspire and impact your idea?
Working in the tourism industry is great. You’re always in the company of customers who relaxed and enjoying themselves. Having travelled to many countries myself I was drawn to the cosmopolitan nature of Queenstown, New Zealand. I wanted to work in a tourist environment, but not behind a counter. Finding a fun new activity that I could share with others has been the perfect venture for me.
Visit Kevin online at www.segwayonq.com
Related Thorn Tree Forum Branch: Australasia & Pacific - Australia, New Zealand & Antarctica.
Category: CommunityHighlight | Tags: interview new-zealand profile segway thorntree
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