For many, the journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound is a breathtaking drive, but for Shelley Skinner, a guide for Altitude Tours, it’s a deep connection to her family’s history and the natural beauty her grandfather, Tom Plato, helped open to the world.
It’s humble start in 2017, with just one van travelling the roads her grandfather built, Altitude Tours has grown to host over 35,000 passengers annually. Much like Mercedes-Benz, Altitude Tours is founded on a commitment to excellence, innovation and quality, their success is built around their fleet of Sprinter vans.
"At Altitude Tours, we prioritise providing an exceptional customer experience, and the vehicles we choose play a critical role in achieving that. We opted for an exclusively Mercedes-Benz fleet to ensure a high-quality and comfortable experience for our guests."
For long-distance journeys like travelling through Milford Sound, covering nearly 600km daily, reliability and comfort is crucial. The Sprinter's spacious interior and panoramic windows provide guests with uninterrupted views of New Zealand's stunning landscapes. Consistently praised is the comfort and intimate small-group settings that highlight the premium, personalised experience offered by Altitude Tours.
As the business expands, they remain dedicated to exploring new technologies and solutions to further enhance the touring experience. For them, the journey is more than a trip, when every guest becomes part of Altitude’s story spanning generations.
Words by Lari Smith
Shot on location by Cam Stables and Sophie Piearcey
Content commissioned by Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd & Altitude Tours