This is our dream

Ability Adventures has evolved out of a dream. That dream is to see people with special needs, those with a disability, blindness or vision impairment, and seniors (older people), have the same opportunities as others for exploration, adventure and discovery through travel.

Our operation

Ability Adventures is based in Dunedin, New Zealand and currently operates throughout the three main islands of New Zealand (North, South and Stewart Islands), and other areas as requested.

We specialise in designing and leading boutique accessible New Zealand holidays and journeys for international clients. We target travel for small groups, normally between 2 and 6 people. These may be:

• Couples
• Family groups
• Groups of friends
• Individuals
• International tour operators (ground agency service)
• Clubs, associations, societies

Read more about our tour options and itineraries...

Our commitment

At Ability Adventures we are committed to three key values - accessibility, hospitality and sustainability - and to providing quality services at all times. In doing so we:

• design and provide accessible travel experiences that reach beyond expectations
• recognise that our clients are the experts in identifying their own support needs
• acknowledge individual differences and respect and value these
• are committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of our clients at all times.

At Ability Adventures we value the wonderful country within which we operate, and feel privileged to be able to share the beauty of New Zealand with our guests. We are committed to operating in a manner that contributes towards a sustainable future for all. As such we seek to:

• minimize our impact on the natural environment
• reduce, recycle and re-use
• support businesses committed to sustainability
• respect the customs of the tangata whenua (indigenous people of the land)
• use resources efficiently
• support the communities within which we do our busines and, in particular, the local disability community.

Marina Hanger

Its founder, Marina Hanger, brings to Ability Adventures a wealth of experience in both the disability field and in tourism. She has over thirty years experience as an Occupational Therapist working with people with a wide range of disabilities, including most recently those who are blind or vision impaired. This most recent work has involved her in researching, planning and leading wilderness, adventure and personal development programmes within New Zealand for blind and vision impaired persons of all ages who are members of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind.

In addition Marina has 15 years experience in the tourism industry having, in the mid 1980s, co-founded one of New Zealand's first eco-tourism companies which has been and still is a leader in providing quality natural history tours for national and international clients.

Marina is passionate about the outdoors and the value of adventure in our lives and is bringing these together, with her experience in the tourism and disability fields, to provide experiential holidays and journeys for people who have special needs.

On a personal level Marina is actively involved in a wide range of outdoor activities including tramping, cycling, running, skiing and kayaking, and has a keen interest in gardening, conservation and sustainable living practices.