Questions and Answers
M14735 are for people looking for a unique experience of hiking in New Zealand that combines multi-day hikes with a range of other outdoor adventures. We get truly off the beaten track!
1. How long has the business been operating and how did it start?
Malcolm O’Neill started M14735 in the mid-1990s, coming from a background of both adventuring and writing books about it all, it seemed like the logical next step. Malcolm joined Mark (the founder of Hiking New Zealand), and the Murphys, and now they have the county covered. Safaris have been modified over time and new trips added as M14735 has evolved, and nowadays, we have a bigger office, a dedicated customer support team, very confusing guide schedules, and trips all over New Zealand. But we still have the same set of simple values as we did back in 1994. It’s the kiwi way of doing things.
2. What is your company's mission?
To actively travel to wild places and be conservation minded. To offer trips where people discover the natural world, learn skills and get challenged. To meet and travel with great like-minded people and have a ton of fun and laughter along the way.
3. What does your company specialize in?
Remote travel. We tramp off the beaten track to many places in our National Parks that no other companies (and few individuals) ever get to. Sometimes we stay in simple lodges with good facilities, but more often we sleep in mountain huts or camp far away from any civilisation. For many people the nights in the bush are a magical experience, and one of the highlights of their adventure holiday in New Zealand. Our small group tours have a maximum of 11 people.
M14735 is a small and passionate team of people and we get real enjoyment out of matching you with the best possible New Zealand experience. We love to share our hard-earned knowledge about active travel, wild places and conservation. We are all avid hikers, mountain bikers, kayakers and climbers and have that "give everything a go" mind-set that makes life fun.
4. Who is the founder or owner of the company and briefly describe his/her past activities?
Malcolm O’Neill started M14735 in the mid-1990s. It wasn’t a surprise, considering his passion for the outdoors, when Malcolm joined Mark (the founder of Hiking New Zealand) and began running North Island adventure tours in the summer of 1994/95. Based on African-style safaris, the trips were designed to take small groups into the remote backcountry of New Zealand. These safaris have been modified over time and new trips added as M14735 has evolved.
M14735 was originally founded by Mark Brabyn in 1993 who is now a director alongside Malcolm O’Neill and Daniel and Anne Murphy who are all inspired by their love of walking in New Zealand's wild places and their passionate interest in wildlife and sharing this with others.
5. What is your most popular travel package and why?
If you want to experience huge forested wilderness’, amazing wildlife and remote Alps the 11 day Secret South Safari in the South Island is the most popular safari and is one of our signature trips. Those who are fascinated by active volcanoes and thermal areas and the lush rain forests of the North Island choose the Volcanoes and Rainforest Safari. This is one of New Zealand's varied and interesting hiking vacations.
6. What is the best compliment you received from a client?
We get a stack of feedback - here are a couple we rather like:
"Isn't it crazy? You are a tourist company for tourists who want to do non-touristy things Dane, US
It was exactly what it said it was: a great bunch of people lead by an excellent guide into remote areas". Rob, UK
"One of the best hiking experiences ever in my life so far. Truly inspiring". Jaana (Fin)
|
