Sounds spend-up continues

A family-owned company continues to roll out its ‘‘strategic plan’’ for the Marlborough Sounds, purchasing yet another popular tourism business.

Marlborough Tour Company co-owner Chris Godsiff said buying the Pelorus Mail Boat was part of a deliberate move to bolster tourism in the Sounds, following discussions with Dennis and Trevor Burkhart, who bought 50 per cent of the company last year.

‘‘It was part of our strategic plan when they came on board, they wanted to know where local tourism could go, and what we saw as purchases we could jointly make to help promote tourism and the area,’’ Godsiff said.

The company had since bought well-known Picton water taxi company Cougar Line, and Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove in the Queen Charlotte Sound.

‘‘It shows our commitment to tourism. It’s what we’re serious about, it’s good for us and it’s good for Marlborough,’’ Godsiff said.

‘‘The mail boat was something a little bit different, it’s tourism but also it’s serving a need for the people of the Pelorus Sound, because it has a contract with New Zealand Post to deliver their mail ... it ticks a lot of boxes.’’

The Pelorus Mail Boat celebrated its centenary last year by building a new boat. The 15-metre catamaran had sweetened the deal, Godsiff said.

He and his wife Sue lived in the Pelorus Sound about 35 years ago, so there was a sentimental value to the purchase as well, he said. ‘‘We used to live there as a family, so I am a previous customer, yes.

‘‘People love it, seeing places you wouldn’t see otherwise, and the people collecting their mail, they all bring their dogs and pigs and horses down and people can feed them on the wharf. You can imagine visitors from New York City, they can’t quite believe it.’’