When Occupational Therapist Marina Hanger was asked to design a series of wilderness and adventure programmes for people with visual impairments, she had no idea it would one day lead to her running her own tourism business.
After thirty years as an occupational therapist working with people with a wide range of disabilities, Marina saw an opportunity to support people with disabilities and older people wanting to enjoy the adventure of travel, and launched Ability Adventures. That was in 2008 and looking back, it was one of the best decisions in her life.
As a tour planner, Marina gets to apply her extensive OT knowledge on creating tailored accessible tours and disability travel services. “I love the fact that I get to break down the barriers that prevent people from experiencing all that New Zealand has to offer” says Marina.
As many of the tours Marina designs involve families with one member who has a disability or groups of people with different levels of impairment, finding things that everyone can enjoy together is an important part of creating something memorable for everyone.
“You should always be testing your limits, or you will never know what you are capable of.”
Marina is always on the lookout for new ways for people to experience New Zealand. With the recent closing of international borders creating a higher demand for home-grown holidays, the choices for domestic travel have exploded in all the regions. Whilst it’s solely the locals enjoying all that’s on offer right now, when trans-Tasman borders reopen, Australian travelers will also be able to experience New Zealand in new and exciting ways.
“I’m really excited about how much more there is to experience here. I can’t wait to share the country I love again with our Aussie neighbours.”