Tourism plays a critical role in both New Zealand’s economy and the composition of our local communities. At Tourism Innovation Group we believe it should do more than deliver great experiences for guests — it should also create long-term value for the environment, the people who live here, and the future of the industry itself.

At the Tourism Innovation Group (TIG), that’s exactly what we’re focused on. Our approach is tourism with heart, to deliver exceptional tourism brands with clear vision, grounded by strong values.

With a growing portfolio including Altitude Tours, Black NZ, Fiordland Tours, and the soon to launch Altitude Hot Pools, TIG is building a tourism group that leads with purpose and delivers with quality.

As part of our commitment to sustainable growth, TIG donates 1% of annual profits to the Love Queenstown Community Fund, supporting local projects focused on climate, conservation, and biodiversity.

Growth with Intention

Founded by Heidi Farren and Nigel Hobbs, TIG has grown from a once one-van operation into a group hosting tens of thousands of guests each year. That growth has been deliberate, guided by a clear strategy to align our experiences with long-term impact.

“We wanted to create something scalable, but also something meaningful. A business that gives back and creates opportunities for everyone involved,” says Heidi.

The formation of TIG allowed us to consolidate operations, create consistency across brands, and embed TIG values including sustainability into everything we do.

Tourism With Heart

Becoming a Love Queenstown Impact Partner gave us a way to turn our sustainability goals into action. Through our contribution to the Community Fund, we’re helping support real, on-the-ground projects that align with our values and the region’s needs.

“It’s not about ticking a box, it’s about being part of the solution,” says Nigel.
“Love Queenstown makes it easy for businesses like ours to have a direct, measurable impact.”

Innovation That Serves the Bigger Picture

For us, innovation isn’t about shiny tools—it’s about smarter systems, better service, and creating treue long-term value.

Whether it’s building an internal staff app, refining tour operations, or developing new experiences, we always ask:
Does this improve quality, sustainability, or team performance?

That mindset helps us stay ahead of industry trends while staying true to our purpose.

Looking Ahead

TIG is focused on long-term, sustainable growth, both for the business and the region. Our holistic approach ensures that every part of the business contributes to a bigger picture: one where tourism continues to thrive, without compromising what makes Queenstown and New Zealand special.

Tourism with heart is at the centre of how we operate.

Learn more about TIG’s Sustainability Vision
Learn more about Love Queenstown