Off Road NZ was established in 1992 by Diane and Graham Foote out of their love for both the outdoors & off road driving. The idea stemmed from Diane and Graham wanting to better utilise their dry stock farm block, based on the Mamaku plateau.
Diane and Graham went on to pioneer several 'first in New Zealand' adventure products for the free independent traveller and the Convention & Incentive market.
With a lot of determination, vision and trial & error, the business developed into a profitable, sustainable business based on the principle "Enjoy It, Don't Destroy It".
The business went on to win several awards including the Best Visitor Related Business and Supreme Award Winner in the Rotorua Business of the Year Awards in the year 2000.
The Tew family arrived in New Zealand on 27th April 2001, to start a new life in Rotorua. Ian, Carol and their two boys, Matthew and Gregory, came from a farm in Oxfordshire, England. Being used to the great outdoors and enjoying most sports they wanted to live somewhere with plenty of action!
Earlier that year the Tew Family were on holiday in New Zealand and Ian and Carol saw that Off Road NZ was advertised for sale. The family viewed and experienced the adventure product a couple of times before being the successful bidder when it was finally sold at auction.
Ian and Carol took the challenge of exploiting the unlimited potential this award winning business had and to date have:-
Most recently, they have started the development of New Zealand's first International standard Kart Racing Track . Working with Rotorua Karters Association, they intend to develop a standard of racing never to have been seen here before.
Boasting the best self drive off road vehicle experience of its type in New Zealand, Off Road NZ continues to provide pulse racing, adrenaline pumping adventure to Free Independent Travellers and Corporate Clients alike.
Ian and Carol both believe that New Zealand as a whole has to work together to attract business whether it is new or return visitors. "Let's work harder on providing a safe, friendly environment that visitors can go away raving about their time in and around this beautiful country"
"Rotorua is growing and I'm sure it will continue to grow in the future. With this in mind we must ensure that the high level of customer service we provide continues."
Rotorua with its accessibility to such natural beauty and its high standard of cultural and adventure attractions make it very hard to match anywhere in the world. We as a family love living here and plan to stay put for long time yet."