Pounamu Tourism Group acquires Leisure Tours and appoints new General Manager

New Zealand’s successful rail tourism business Pounamu Tourism Group, continues its growth trajectory with the acquisition of long-serving tour operator, Leisure Tours - formerly known as Canterbury Leisure Tours.

Pounamu Tourism Group (PTG) which owns and operates a portfolio of popular rail-based tours, finalised the multi-million-dollar purchase this month (effective 1st July 2025).

Leisure Tours has a 32-year pedigree offering more than 75 tour variations, catering for more than 10,000 passengers a year.

According to Pounamu Tourism Group managing director Paul Jackson (pictured above), Leisure Tours will continue as a separate brand and business and will complement the business activities of Pounamu Tourism Group which already caters to a base of more than 30,000 passengers a year, across various single and multi-day rail tours.

Jackson notes “The range of the Leisure Tours destinations across New Zealand and Australia, which includes shore excursions for the cruise ship sector, along with the talented people and skills of the team that delivers them, were the key attraction.

“This is a significant investment as we diversify and expand, from having a predominantly rail tourism focus, to that of a broader tourism scope. It forms part of a wider and robust growth strategy.”

Leisure Tours founder Kevin Edlin will continue in a consulting capacity, to help ensure a smooth handover and adds “when you own your own business, you pour your heart and soul into building it, so it was important when finding a successor, that they demonstrated the same passion and industry credibility.

“Pounamu Tourism Group has built a reputation for looking after its customers and showcasing New Zealand with pride and professionalism. I am confident that the principles of good service will continue, and I am looking forward to seeing how Paul and his team nurture it and expand Leisure Tours even further.”

Embarking on its 10th year, Pounamu Tourism Group has plans to refine, develop and expand product lines, Jackson says. As part of this, Greg Cayford has been appointed as the new General Manager of Leisure Tours. Cayford was previously Chief Executive of Cycle Journeys and comes with significant and proven experience.

Dale Coulter, also a seasoned tourism expert, has been internally promoted to GM Group Operations for PTG – continuing his remit to expand the operational team and ensure best practice processes that deliver for the increased volume of travellers.

Jackson adds “this is a significant step in our growth strategy and we are well placed to continue to grow our portfolio of tours managed by a reputable team of great people. We are also excited about the additional future growth prospects that will follow.”

Pounamu Tourism Group operates the Marlborough Flyer, The Whale Train, Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer and The Mountaineer rail tourism brands. 

Leisure Tours offers a range of single and multi-day tours across Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as Australia and is also one of New Zealand’s leading tour operators servicing the cruise ship shore excursion market.