Wellington icon celebrates 50 years in business
18 Jan 2008
Hammonds Scenic Tours this year celebrates 50 years operating as a tour coach business in and around Wellington and beyond.
Wally Hammond founded Hammonds Tours in 1958, which later became known as Wellington Sightseeing Tours and Hammonds Scenic Tours. His tour business has outlasted many competitors over the past 50 years and Wally has become a well known character throughout the Wellington region and the tour coach industry nationwide.
In 1958 Wally purchased a licence to operate tours throughout New Zealand from Howells Transport Ltd. In its infancy Hammonds Tours conducted nationwide scenic tours on behalf of the government's then New Zealand Tourist and Publicity Department.
By 1969 tourism in New Zealand was booming and Wally found he was spending more time with people he didn't know than his family. Growing pains for his business meant Wally had a decision to make; a costly expansion, or opt for working within a niche market. He chose the latter and Wellington Sightseeing Tours was formed. Wally’s passion for Wellington is obvious.
"It’s a city with a soul, a magic place really. It has a feeling about it that is very hard to capture in most other cities in the world - and I have been to quite a few" says Wally.
"The people in Wellington are just so friendly and, you know, talk to each other - not having a bang at Auckland or anything like that!" he quips, alluding to the tongue in cheek rivalry shared between Wellingtonians and their northern counterparts.
Fifty years in business is an amazing accomplishment in any industry and Wally is quick to share the accolade with those who have supported him through good times and bad.
"It all comes back to my family who just got in behind and helped push me. My wife has been a great strength"
Throughout his tenure Wally has entertained thousands of interesting people from all over the world. He particularly recalls speaking with Jean Batten and feeling a little embarrassed for not recognising that our most famous female aviator was on board his coach.
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